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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

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 physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a 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 ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

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 outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.

While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

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

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Junior less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

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

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

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

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

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