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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

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

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

Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Professional 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 being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

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

Younger less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.