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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline 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 – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

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

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

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

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

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

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities 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 large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

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

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.