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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 embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

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

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, 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 – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

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