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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily before a match, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament 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 took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

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

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, 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 dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – 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 massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

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

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.