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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

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

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

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

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

The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted 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 with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

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

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