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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining 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) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament 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 and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

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 their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff.

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.