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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Japan's National Sport

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

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

Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

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

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved 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, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

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

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.

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 protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

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

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

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

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

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

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

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.