🔗 Share this article Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital The Grand Sumo Tournament Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th Understanding Japan's National Sport Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium. This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across. Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo. Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests. The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies. Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – residing and practicing communally. The London Location This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th. London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history. Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture". Sumo has seen a significant rise in international interest globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally. How Sumo Matches Work The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles. Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes. Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing judo-like throws. Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles. There are 82 winning techniques, including 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, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements. Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas. Rikishi Lifestyle Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master. Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods. The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history. Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power. Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions. Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options and even support staff. Younger less established wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment. Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings. Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport. The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition. Who Becomes a Rikishi There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan. International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times. Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status. Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.