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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

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

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

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

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

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options including support staff.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.