The Reason This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

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

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

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

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.