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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Japan's National Sport

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

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – living and training communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

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

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.