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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily before a match, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

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 is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

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

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.

While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

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

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

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

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