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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

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

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

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

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Junior less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions include global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.