🔗 Share this article

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

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

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

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

Matches might end almost instantly or last several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes 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 known as heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

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

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.