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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.

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 through October 19th.

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

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.

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

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

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

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

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

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

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

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options including support staff.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.