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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October 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.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

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

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

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

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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