Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in the UK Capital

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

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

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

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature 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 is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.