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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 physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

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

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed 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 outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.