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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

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

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily before a match, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

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

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.