🔗 Share this article Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London This Prestigious Sumo Competition Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October Exploring Sumo Wrestling Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years. This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across. Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport. Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests. The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits. Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings. Why London? This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October. The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history. Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture". Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad. How Sumo Matches Work The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles. Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes. There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws. High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents. There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match. Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements. Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues. Life as a Sumo Wrestler Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master. Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods. Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history. Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power. Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports. A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff. Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges. Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend in standing. Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport. The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition. Sumo Wrestlers Demographics The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan. International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently. Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks. In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.