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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention 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 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 concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

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

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

International competitors have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

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