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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices 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.

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

Customarily before a match, a hole is created in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

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

Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.

Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

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

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

Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements.

While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.

Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo.

The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance in recent times.

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

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