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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

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

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

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

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

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

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.

Junior less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.