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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

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

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