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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training 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 across.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily before a match, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

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

The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.

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

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

International competitors have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

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