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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

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

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

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

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.

The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally.

The London Location

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

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes.

There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt against different styles.

There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes.

While women do compete in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.

Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.

Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.

Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing.

Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport.

At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.

Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

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

Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.