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

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily before a match, an opening is made in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

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

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

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

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

Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

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

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.