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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

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

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

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives 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, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.

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

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

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

Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

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

Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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