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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.