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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

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

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts 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 their opponent and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Younger less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

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