The Reason This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in the UK Capital

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.

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

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

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

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Junior less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.