🔗 Share this article The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital This Prestigious Sumo Competition Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October Understanding Sumo Wrestling Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years. This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter. 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 then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies. This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits. Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – residing and practicing communally. Why London? The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th. The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history. Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition". Sumo has experienced substantial growth in international interest among international fans in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture abroad. How Sumo Matches Work The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles. Bouts might end almost instantly or continue several minutes. Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws. Elite wrestlers 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, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout. Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes. Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues. Rikishi Lifestyle Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, under a stable master. Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal 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 – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history. Rikishi intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes and explosive power. Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions. A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff. Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges. Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down the rankings. Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport. At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – transcending winning. Who Becomes a Rikishi There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily being Japanese. International competitors have been involved significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently. Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status. Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.