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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

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

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

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

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

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

There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used within 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 or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.