The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

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

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

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is made in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

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

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

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

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.