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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, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

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

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

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess 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 distinctive existence in professional sports.

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

Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

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

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.

International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

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

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.