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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

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

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

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

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

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws.

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

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.

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

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.