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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily before a match, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

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

Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.

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

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.