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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is made at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place 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 such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

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

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

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