🔗 Share this article The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London This Prestigious Sumo Competition Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October Understanding Sumo Wrestling Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium. This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across. Various rituals are performed before and after each bout, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport. Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests. This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies. Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally. The London Location The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October. The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history. Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to share to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition". Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad. Sumo Bout Mechanics The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet. Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes. There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent and use judo-like throws. Elite wrestlers often master various techniques and can adapt to their opponents. Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout. Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes. While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas. Life as a Sumo Wrestler Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master. The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods. Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented. Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power. Virtually every aspect of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports. A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements and even support staff. Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges. Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down the rankings. Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport. At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning. Sumo Wrestlers Demographics There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan. Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times. Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks. In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.