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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

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

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event 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 a significant rise in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.

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 their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, 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.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options including support staff.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

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

Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.