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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

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

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

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

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

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

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

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

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

Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

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