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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

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

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

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

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

London with this iconic venue also hosted 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 – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

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

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

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

Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

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

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