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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as 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 ceremonial aspects of the sport.

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

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

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

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

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

Younger less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

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

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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