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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Japan's National Sport

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

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals take place before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

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

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed 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.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

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

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

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

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options including support staff.

Junior less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

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

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.