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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Understanding Japan's National Sport

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

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

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

Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions include international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.