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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

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

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

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

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics 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 with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.

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

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.