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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Japan's National Sport

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

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

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

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

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – living and training communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

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

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

International competitors have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

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

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