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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

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

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.

Traditionally before a match, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies.

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

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. 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 can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of body measurements.

While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

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

Sumo rankings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking wrestling careers.