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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is made at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes 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.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.