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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 the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

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

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – 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, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

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

Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

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

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

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