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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

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

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily before a match, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

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

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

International competitors have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.