🔗 Share this article Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London The Grand Sumo Tournament Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October Understanding Sumo Wrestling Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years. This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across. Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport. Customarily prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests. This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies. Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally. Why London? The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th. London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in the sport's history. Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition". The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad. How Sumo Matches Work The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match concludes once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet. Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes. Sumo features two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use throwing techniques. High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting against different styles. There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout. Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements. Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues. Rikishi Lifestyle Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, under a stable master. Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods. The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history. Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power. Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports. A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants. Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges. Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing. Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status within the sport. The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition. Sumo Wrestlers Demographics The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese. Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times. Top champions include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks. In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.