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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

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

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Junior less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.