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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

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

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

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

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

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

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – 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 demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

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

Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.