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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

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

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to it – living and training communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan 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 took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

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

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.