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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

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

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, 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 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.

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 maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

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

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

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 their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

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