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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

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

Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, 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 edition – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

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

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

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

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

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