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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily before a match, a hole is created at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.

Why London?

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

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

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

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.