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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

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 is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

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

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

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Younger less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.