🔗 Share this article

This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

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

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

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

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

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

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

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

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

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

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.