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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

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

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

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in 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 worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

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

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

International competitors have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.