🔗 Share this article

The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

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

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 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 in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

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

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