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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily before a match, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.