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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

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 both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

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

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

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

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.