Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is created at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, containing within 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 commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

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

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

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

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.