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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices 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) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur 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 stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.