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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

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