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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

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

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

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

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

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely 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.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

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