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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

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

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

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to it – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided 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 continue several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements including support staff.

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.