🔗 Share this article

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, 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 – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

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

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

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

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.