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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

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

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

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

The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

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

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

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

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.

Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.