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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

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

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

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

The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

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

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

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

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

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

Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

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

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.