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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

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

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

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

Matches can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

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 – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

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

Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

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

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

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.