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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

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

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Junior less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

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

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.