🔗 Share this article The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London The Grand Sumo Tournament Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October Understanding Japan's National Sport Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back more than 1,000 years. This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter. Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport. Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests. The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits. Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – residing and practicing communally. Why London? The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held outside of Japan only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th. London with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history. Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition". Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the appeal of Japanese culture internationally. How Sumo Matches Work The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles. Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes. Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques. Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents. Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen during any match. Size categories are not used in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes. While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas. Life as a Sumo Wrestler Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer. Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods. Typical rikishi consumes between multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented. Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts. Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports. A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements and even personal assistants. Junior or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges. Sumo rankings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings. Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo. At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning. Who Becomes a Rikishi The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, primarily from Japan. International competitors have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently. Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks. Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.