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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

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

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

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

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

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

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

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