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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

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 symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

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 with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

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

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations 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 can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming 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 – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

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

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

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