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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

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

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

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

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

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

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

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

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend the rankings.

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

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

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