The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

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

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

Customarily before a match, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

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

Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

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