🔗 Share this article Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital This Prestigious Sumo Competition Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October Understanding Japan's National Sport Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium. This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter. Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, 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 through Shinto ceremonies. The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies. Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, 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 only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th. London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history. Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture". Sumo has seen a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally. How Sumo Matches Work The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles. Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes. There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws. Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents. There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout. Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements. While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues. Life as a Sumo Wrestler Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables called heya, under a stable master. Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap. Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history. Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts. Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions. A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff. Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges. Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing descend the rankings. Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo. The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition. Sumo Wrestlers Demographics There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan. Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times. Top champions include international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations reaching elite status. In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.