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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

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

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

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

Customarily before a match, a hole is created at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

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

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

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

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements including support staff.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.