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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline 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 – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

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

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.