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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

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

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

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

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

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

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.