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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily before a match, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

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

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides 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 typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

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

Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.