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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament 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 – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

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

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.