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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 tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

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

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

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

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

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

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements including support staff.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.