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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

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

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

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 do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

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

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

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

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

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

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

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