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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily before a match, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

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

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.