🔗 Share this article

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

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

Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

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

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings 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 surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

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

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.