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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

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

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

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

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. 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.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

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

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

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Junior less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke 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 embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

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