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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

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

Why London?

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 previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

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

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.