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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in 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 keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate 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 among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.

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

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.