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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

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

This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring 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 took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Junior less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

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

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.