🔗 Share this article

The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

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

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

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily before a match, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – 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 through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

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

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

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

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Top champions include global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.