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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

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

Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost 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 makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

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

Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match.

Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer.

Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

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

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

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

Younger less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

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

Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.