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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

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

This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Top champions include international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.