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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th 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.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.