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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October

Exploring Japan's National Sport

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

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

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

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

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

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff.

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

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend in standing.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

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