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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

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

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

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 affects earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

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

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