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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

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

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

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

There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common 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 cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

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

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

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