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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

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

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

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

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Junior less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.