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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily before a match, a hole is created at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

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

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

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

Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

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

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.