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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

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

Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

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

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

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

Younger less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

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

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.