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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

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

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is created at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches might end almost instantly or last several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

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

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

Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, 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 embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.