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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

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

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options including support staff.

Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions include global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

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