Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – 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 demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

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

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

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