🔗 Share this article

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is made at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

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

Why London?

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

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

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

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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