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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

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

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

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

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

The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.

While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

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

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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