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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

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

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

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring 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.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Junior less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

International competitors have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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