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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts might end 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 by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Junior less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

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

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

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