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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily before a match, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

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

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

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

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.