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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

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

This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

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

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

While women do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.