Why the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

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

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

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

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

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

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

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

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess 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 among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.