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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

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

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily before a match, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

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

Why London?

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

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place 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 – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

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

Bouts might end almost instantly or last several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

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

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, 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 each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

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

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

Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

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