🔗 Share this article

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

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

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

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

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

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

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

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

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

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

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

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

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.

Junior less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title 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 being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.