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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.