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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

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

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.

Why London?

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

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

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters 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 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.