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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

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

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

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

The London Location

The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

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

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second 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 choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout.

Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

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

Rikishi Lifestyle

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, under a head trainer.

The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.

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

Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants.

Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport.

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

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan.

International competitors have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.