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The Grand Sumo Tournament

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

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

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches might end almost instantly or last several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

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

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. 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, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.

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

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

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

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

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