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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, 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 – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

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

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.

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

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.