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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

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

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

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

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally 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 previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

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

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, 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. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

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

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

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