🤼♂️ The historic surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall are set to be transformed for The Grand Sumo Tournament which takes place from Wednesday 15 to Sunday 19 October. Read on for a preview and the latest ticket information.
Step into a world of ancient rituals, extraordinary strength and rich tradition as Sumo wrestling, one of the world’s oldest sports, returns to the Royal Albert Hall this autumn. For five days the famous Hall will become a temple of Sumo, complete with an authentic soil and sand dohyō (ring) and a roof reminiscent of a Shinto shrine. Grand Sumo Tournament London promises be a sporting experience like no other.
Over 40 of Japan’s elite maku-uchi rikishi (wrestlers) will take part, bringing with them the 1,500-year legacy of Sumo. Each match is a captivating spectacle, combining explosive athleticism with ceremonial splendour. Every element of the sport is steeped in history and culture. From the vibrant, hand-embroidered silk kesho-mawashi robes to the ancient salt-throwing rituals.
Sumo is more than just a sport in Japan. There is a ceremonial-religious aspect that dates back more than 1,500 years, with competitors living almost monastic lives in “heya” stables, where they observe strict and highly restricted lifestyles.
Don’t miss your chance to witness the grandeur and power of Sumo wrestling, an unforgettable celebration of tradition and athleticism.
GRAND SUMO TOURNAMENT LONDON – TICKETS, TIMINGS & TRAVEL
Grand Sumo Tournament London tickets will go on sale from the Royal Albert Hall website early in 2025.
🕣 Daily timings:
Doors open at 1pm (afternoon) and 6.30pm (evening).
🤼♂️ Show starts at 2pm (afternoon) and 7.30pm (evening).
Note: timings are subject to confirmation.
🚊🚗 Travel tips: The Royal Albert Hall is accessible by public transport, bicycle or taxi. For arrival by car, taxi, minibus or Dial-a-Ride, the most convenient set-down point is at Door 8, which is by the building’s south entrance. Find out more from the Royal Albert Hall travel guide.
ABOUT SUMO
Introduction
Sumo is a Japanese style of wrestling and Japan’s national sport. It originated in ancient times as a performance to entertain the Shinto deities. In line with tradition, only men practice the sport professionally in Japan.
The rules are simple: the wrestler who first exits the ring or touches the ground with any part of his body besides the soles of his feet loses. Matches take place on an elevated ring (dohyo) made of clay. A layer of sand overs the ring. A contest usually lasts only a few seconds, but in rare cases can take a minute or more. There are no weight restrictions or classes in sumo, meaning that wrestlers can easily find themselves matched off against someone many times their size. As a result, weight gain is an essential part of sumo training.
Tournaments and ranking hierarchy
The governing body of professional sumo is the Japan Sumo Association. Six tournaments take place each year. Each tournament lasts 15 days during which wrestlers compete in one bout per day except lower ranked wrestlers who compete in fewer bouts.
Sumo wrestlers are classified in a ranking hierarchy (banzuke). Wrestlers with positive records (more wins than losses) move up the hierarchy. The top division is called the Makuuchi. At the pinnacle of the sumo hierarchy stands the yokozuna (grand champion). A yokozuna cannot be demoted, unlike wrestlers in lower ranks. He is expected to retire when his performance begins to worsen.
(‘About Sumo’ information courtesy of japan-guide.com website.)
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