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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

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

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from 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 head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Junior less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

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

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

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

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