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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 represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is made in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

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

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

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

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status.

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