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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

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

This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

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

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

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