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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is created in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

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

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo 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 experienced substantial growth in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

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

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

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

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