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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

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

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.