Why the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in the UK Capital

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

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

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

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

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

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

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

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life 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.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.