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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

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

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily before a match, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.

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 previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.