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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

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

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

Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

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

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques.

High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements including support staff.

Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.