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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – 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 for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

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