🔗 Share this article

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

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

Various rituals take place before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

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

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

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

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler 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 last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

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

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff.

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

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

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