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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

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

Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

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

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

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

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements including support staff.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

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

Current Yokozuna include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.