🔗 Share this article Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London This Prestigious Sumo Competition Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October Understanding Japan's National Sport Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years. This combat sport involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter. Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport. Traditionally before a match, a hole is made at the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies. The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies. Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings. The London Location The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th. The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history. Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture". The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad. Sumo Bout Mechanics The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet. Bouts might end almost instantly or last several minutes. There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws. High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles. Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout. Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements. While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues. Rikishi Lifestyle Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a stable master. The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap. Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history. Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements with strong bursts. Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence in professional sports. A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements and even support staff. Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges. Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings. Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport. The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning. Sumo Wrestlers Demographics There are approximately 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan. Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently. Top champions include global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status. In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.