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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily before a match, an opening is made in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

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

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches might end 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.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

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

Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables 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 high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan.

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

Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

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