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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

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

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

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

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

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

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 until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

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

Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

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

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.