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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals are performed before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

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

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

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

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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