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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

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

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

Customarily before a match, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.

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

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – 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 massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

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

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.