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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

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

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

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

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.

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

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

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

There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

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

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

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

Top champions include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.