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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is created at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

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

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.