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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

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

Traditionally before a match, a hole is created at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

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

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

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

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage 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 governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

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

Younger less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

International competitors have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.