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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

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

Traditionally before a match, an opening is created at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

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

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts 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 the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

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

While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements including support staff.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

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

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