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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

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

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

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

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

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

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

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

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

Although female athletes can participate in amateur 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 called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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