Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects 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.

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

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

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes 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 continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

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

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

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

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.