The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

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

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

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

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

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. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

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

Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.