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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

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

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted 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, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

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

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend the rankings.

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

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, 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 reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.