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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

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

This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily before a match, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

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

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early 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 consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Younger less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

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

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

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.