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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

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

Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.