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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

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

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

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

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

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

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.