The Reason This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in the UK Capital

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

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

Traditionally before a match, an opening is made at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

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

Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.