🔗 Share this article

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the 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 prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

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

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings 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 essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.