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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

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

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily before a match, a hole is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted 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, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.

Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

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

Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.