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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – living and training communally.

The London Location

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

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

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

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

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

Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.