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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

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

Various rituals are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily before a match, an opening is created in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

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

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

International competitors have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.