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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

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

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

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

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged 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 the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

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

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.