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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end almost instantly or last several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

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 do compete in non-professional sumo globally, 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, 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 the traditional stew – 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 massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.

Younger less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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