Sumo things you didn't Know...

WEIGHT to go! Sumo fans have been warned they might get squashed by falling wrestlers if they sit too close to the action at a tournament being held in the Royal Albert Hall, as we revealed yesterday. The unique event starts today and will feature 40 chunky grapplers from the traditional Japanese sport. But how much do you know about sumo? Here, JAMES MOORE'S guide will help you get to grips with it...

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Sumo, which means to “compete”, goes back 1,500 years. It was originally to honour Shinto deities for good harvests.

Until the Middle Ages some bouts were fought to the death. It was also associated with samurai training and used to be confined to the imperial court.

The ring or dohyo, which is made of clay and covered in sand, has a canopy representing a Shinto shrine. Before a bout, salt is thrown into the ring to purify it.

The idea is to push the other wrestler out of the ring. A contestant can also lose if they touch the ground with anything other than their feet.