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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and 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 bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity globally 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 bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

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

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.