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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Japan's National Sport

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

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals are performed before and after 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 by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

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

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

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

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.