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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

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

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

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

Top champions include global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.