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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

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

There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

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