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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily before a match, an opening is made at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – living and training communally.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event 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 the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

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

Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

International competitors have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.