🔗 Share this article Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in the UK Capital This Prestigious Sumo Competition Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October Exploring Sumo Wrestling Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years. This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter. Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport. Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests. This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away bad spirits. Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – living and training in group settings. The London Location The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October. The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history. Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture". Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally. Sumo Bout Mechanics The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet. Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes. There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple their opponent employing judo-like throws. Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents. Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout. Size categories are not used in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes. Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas. Life as a Sumo Wrestler Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, under a head trainer. Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – with rest periods. The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history. Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power. Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions. Competitive standing determines earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants. Younger or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges. Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing. Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status in professional sumo. The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition. Sumo Wrestlers Demographics There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan. Foreign wrestlers have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times. Top champions include international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks. In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.