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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally before a match, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening is closed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur 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 body measurements.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

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

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.

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

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

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