🔗 Share this article

The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily before a match, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

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

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

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