🔗 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. Dates: October 15th through 19th Exploring Japan's National Sport Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium. This physical contest features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter. Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport. Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies. The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits. Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally. The London Location The Grand Sumo Tournament 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 edition – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history. Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition". The sport has experienced substantial growth in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan internationally. How Sumo Matches Work The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet. Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes. Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing judo-like throws. High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting against different styles. Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match. Size categories do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements. Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas. Rikishi Lifestyle Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer. Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods. The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history. Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts. Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions. A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements including support staff. Junior less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment. Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down the rankings. Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport. The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning. Sumo Wrestlers Demographics There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese. International competitors have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently. Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status. Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan pursuing wrestling careers.