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

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

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

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

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

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

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

The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

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

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes 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 in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

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

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

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

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

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, 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.