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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

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

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

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

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.

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

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

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

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

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

Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

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