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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

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

This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics 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 of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

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

Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.

Junior less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.