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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

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

Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – 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 from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

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

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

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.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

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

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.