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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily before a match, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

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

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

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