Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is created at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

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

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

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

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

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

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

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

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

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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