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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

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

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

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

International competitors have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.