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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

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

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or last several minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by 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.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

International competitors have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

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