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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

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

Customarily before a match, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

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 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London 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 could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur 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 instead of physical attributes.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

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

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

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

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.