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The Grand Sumo Tournament

Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under 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 taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition 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 a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact 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 generally push competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

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

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.