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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily before a match, an opening is made in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

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

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

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

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

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

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

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

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.