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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, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is made in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

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

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Junior less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions include global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.