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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

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

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping 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 communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

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

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out 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.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents 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.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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