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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole 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. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

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

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.

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

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

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

Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.