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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is made at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

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

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

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

Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than 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. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

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

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

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

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.