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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

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

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend the rankings.

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

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.