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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Japan's National Sport

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

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

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

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.