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

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements including support staff.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

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

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.