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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

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

Junior less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

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

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.