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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

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

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

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

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent 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 maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

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

Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

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

Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.