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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

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