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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.

Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport.

Customarily before a match, a hole is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing in group settings.

Why London?

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

While women do compete in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

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

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history.

Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend the rankings.

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

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily being Japanese.

International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.