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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then 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, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

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