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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

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

Various rituals are performed before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey 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, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

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

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options including support staff.

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

Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.