Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

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

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place 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, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

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

Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.

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

Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

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

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.