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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

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

Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is made in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

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

The London Location

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

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

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

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

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

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.