The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

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

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

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

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

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch 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 intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options including support staff.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.

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

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

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