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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

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

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily before a match, a hole is created at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally.

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

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

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.

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

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

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

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.