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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

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

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

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

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

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

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

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

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Top champions include global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.