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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily before a match, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

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

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

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

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

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

Younger less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

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

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