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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

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

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily before a match, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

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

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

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

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Junior less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

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

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

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