🔗 Share this article Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London This Prestigious Sumo Competition Location: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th Understanding Japan's National Sport Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years. This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter. Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport. Customarily before a match, a hole is created in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests. The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies. Elite sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to it – living and training in group settings. Why London? This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th. London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history. Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture". The sport has seen substantial growth in popularity among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad. Sumo Bout Mechanics The fundamental regulations of sumo are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet. Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes. There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena 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 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout. Weight classes do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements. Although female athletes do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments including major venues. Life as a Sumo Wrestler Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master. The daily routine of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap. The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented. Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power. Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports. A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants. Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges. Sumo rankings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend the rankings. Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport. At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition. Who Becomes a Rikishi The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan. Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently. Current Yokozuna include global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status. Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.