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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

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

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

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

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements including support staff.

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

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

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

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.