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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily before a match, an opening is made in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

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

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Junior less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.