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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

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

The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

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

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

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

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

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

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.