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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is created at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

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

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. 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 exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

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

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

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