The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in the UK Capital

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

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

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

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

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

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

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

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

Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

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

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