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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

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

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

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

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.

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

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

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

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

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

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.