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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

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

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts might end almost instantly or last several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

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

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

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

Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.