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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

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

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

International competitors have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

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

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.