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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

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

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

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

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

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

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers 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 Japan seeking professional sumo careers.