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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

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

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

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

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

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.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

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

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

Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

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

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.