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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

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

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push 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 to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.

Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.

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

Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.