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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally 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 previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact 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 generally push competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, 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 rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.