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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

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

This opening 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, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – living and training communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

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

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

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

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

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

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

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.