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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

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

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

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily before a match, an opening is made in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.