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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

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

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.