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

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

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

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

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing 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 from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

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

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

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

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

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

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.