🔗 Share this article The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital The Grand Sumo Tournament Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th Understanding Sumo Wrestling Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium. This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter. Various rituals take place before and after every match, emphasizing the traditional nature of the sport. Traditionally before a match, a hole is created at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies. This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off negative energies. Elite sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings. Why London? The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th. London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament took place outside Japan in sumo history. Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture". Sumo has seen substantial growth in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad. Sumo Bout Mechanics The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet. Matches might end in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes. There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws. High-ranking rikishi often master multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents. Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur in any bout. Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system determine matchups rather than body measurements. While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues. Rikishi Lifestyle Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master. Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – with rest periods. The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history. Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts. Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports. A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including personal assistants. Younger or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges. Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings. Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport. At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of sumo – transcending winning. Who Becomes a Rikishi There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most from Japan. Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times. Top champions include global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks. In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.