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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

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

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time 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 "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

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

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Younger less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

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