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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

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

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily before a match, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

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

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – 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.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options including support staff.

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

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.