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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

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