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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

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

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

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

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches might end almost instantly or last several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious 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 within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

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

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.