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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts might end almost instantly or last several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

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

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

Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.

International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.