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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

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

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

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

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

International competitors have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

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