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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

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

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

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

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

International competitors have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

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