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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

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

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than 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

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.