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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Japan's National Sport

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

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

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

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Junior less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.