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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

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

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

Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

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

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

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

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

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

Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

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

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.