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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is made 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 ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

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

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

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