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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th

Understanding Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

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

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

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

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

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques.

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

Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power.

Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants.

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

Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing descend in standing.

Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

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

International competitors have participated prominently over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.