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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

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

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

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

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

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