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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

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 and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

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

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.