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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

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

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi 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.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

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

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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