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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

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

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

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

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

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.