🔗 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. Schedule: 15-19 October Understanding Sumo Wrestling Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years. This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter. Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo. Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies. The hole is closed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies. Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing in group settings. Why London? This Major Sumo Event is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October. The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time such an event took place beyond Japan in the sport's history. Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture". The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally recently, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad. How Sumo Matches Work The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles. Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes. There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques. High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles. There are 82 winning techniques, including dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout. Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than physical attributes. While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions or the main arenas. Life as a Sumo Wrestler Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer. Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap. The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history. Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power. Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and governing body – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions. Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants. Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment. Sumo rankings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down in standing. Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document displaying everyone's status in professional sumo. At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning. Who Becomes a Rikishi There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan. International competitors have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently. Top champions feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks. In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.