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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

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

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention 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 recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

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

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

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

Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

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

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