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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place 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 was staged outside Japan in sumo 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".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes 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.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings 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 consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements including support staff.

Junior less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

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