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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

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

Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

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

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

The daily routine 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.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

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