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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, 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 – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

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

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.

Junior less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

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

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

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