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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

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

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally 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 – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

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

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

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

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

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

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

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

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.

International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.