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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

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

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

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

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

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

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.