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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting 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.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.

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

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches might end almost instantly or last several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter 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 focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

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

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

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