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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

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

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

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

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

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

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

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