Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

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

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

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

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.