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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

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

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

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

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

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

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.