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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

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

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

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

The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

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

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

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