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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

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

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature 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 is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

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

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

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

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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