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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo 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".

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

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

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

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

Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

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

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

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