Why the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in the UK Capital

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

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

The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

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

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Junior less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.