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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate 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 until Sunday, 19 October.

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

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

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

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.