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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

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

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, with the competition 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 such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques.

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

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities 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 large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.

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

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, 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 pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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