🔗 Share this article The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital This Prestigious Sumo Competition Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th Understanding Japan's National Sport Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium. This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter. Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport. Customarily before a match, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies. The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to scare away negative energies. Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings. Why London? This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October. London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history. Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture". The sport has seen a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan abroad. How Sumo Matches Work The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet. Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes. Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques. High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles. Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match. Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than body measurements. Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas. Life as a Sumo Wrestler Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer. The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap. The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history. Wrestlers purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power. Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports. A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants. Junior less established rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges. Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings. Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo. At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning. Sumo Wrestlers Demographics The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan. International competitors have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently. Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status. In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.