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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

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

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.

There exist 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.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess 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.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Junior less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend the rankings.

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

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.