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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October

Understanding Japan's National Sport

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

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

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

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.

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

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

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff.

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

Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

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