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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

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

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

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

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used 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 non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – 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 – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

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

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.