"Sumo is the iconic national sport of Japan, but it is also a mix of tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals going back more than 1,000 years. It is a combat sport with two wrestlers called rikishi fighting inside a raised circular ring a dohyo 4.55m (14.9 ft) large. Rituals and ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport."
"Traditionally before a match, a hole is made in the centre of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests. The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits. Professional sumo is ruled by a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it - living and training communally."
Grand Sumo will take place at the Royal Albert Hall in London from 15–19 October, with coverage on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport from 19:30 BST. Sumo blends combat, tradition, discipline and Shinto ritual, featuring two rikishi fighting inside a raised dohyo measuring 4.55m. Pre- and post-bout ceremonies include a hole in the dohyo filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests, closed to enshrine a spirit, followed by ritual stamps and clapping to drive away bad spirits. Professional sumo uses a rigid ranking system and communal living. The tournament is staged outside Japan for only the second time and aims to showcase traditional Japanese culture internationally.
Read at www.bbc.com
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