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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

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

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is created at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

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

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

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

Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.