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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

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

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

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

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

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

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

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

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

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

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

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.