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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.

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

Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements including support staff.

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

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

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