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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

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

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

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

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

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

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

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

Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

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

The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.