🔗 Share this article The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London The Grand Sumo Tournament Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th Exploring Japan's National Sport Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium. This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across. Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport. Customarily before a match, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests. The hole gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits. Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings. The London Location The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th. London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history. Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture". Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad. How Sumo Matches Work The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles. Matches might end almost instantly or continue over two minutes. Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques. High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents. Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout. Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements. Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues. Rikishi Lifestyle Sumo wrestlers live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master. Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap. Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history. Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power. Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions. A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff. Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment. Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing. Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport. The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning. Who Becomes a Rikishi The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese. International competitors have participated prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently. Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks. Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.