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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is made in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

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

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques 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, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight 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 the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements including support staff.

Younger less established wrestlers handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, 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 ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.