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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

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

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. 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 commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

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, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

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

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

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

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

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

Junior less established 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 move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

International competitors have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.