Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in the UK Capital

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

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

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

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

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

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

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

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

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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