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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely 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, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced 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 quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

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

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

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

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

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

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

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