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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

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

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

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

Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

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

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

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

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.