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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

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

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

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

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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