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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

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

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, 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. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of 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 surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

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

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list 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 – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

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