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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

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

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

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

Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

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

The London Location

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

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

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

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

International competitors have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.