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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

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

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

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

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.