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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

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

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

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

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

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

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements including support staff.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

International competitors have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes 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 seeking professional sumo careers.