The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

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

Traditionally before a match, a hole is created in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey 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 could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

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

Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.