Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

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

Traditionally before a match, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, 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 – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed 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 last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

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

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

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

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.