🔗 Share this article

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily before a match, a hole is created at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition 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 beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

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

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

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

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level 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 from Japan.

International competitors have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.