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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

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

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans 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 concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end almost instantly or last several minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even personal assistants.

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.