🔗 Share this article Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital The Grand Sumo Tournament Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. 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 more than 1,000 years. This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across. Traditional ceremonies take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport. Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies. This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits. Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings. The London Location This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th. London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in sumo history. Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share 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 appeal of Japanese culture abroad. Sumo Bout Mechanics The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles. Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes. There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws. High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting to their opponents. Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match. Weight classes are not used within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements. While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues. Life as a Sumo Wrestler Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master. Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap. The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented. Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power. Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence in professional sports. Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements including support staff. Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges. Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend in standing. Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo. The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning. Sumo Wrestlers Demographics There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese. International competitors have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently. Top champions feature global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks. In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.