🔗 Share this article

The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

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

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

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

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

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

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

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

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.

Junior less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.

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

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

International competitors have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.