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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

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

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.

Why London?

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

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

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

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

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

Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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