Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies 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 inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.
The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.
The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.
Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.
At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.
Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.
Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
