🔗 Share this article

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily before a match, an opening is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

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

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

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