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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

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

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

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

The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

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

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers 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 elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Junior less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.