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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

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

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

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally 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 straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

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

While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options including support staff.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions include global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.