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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

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

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

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

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

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

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

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Junior less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

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