🔗 Share this article Why the Grand Sumo Tournament is Being Held in London The Grand Sumo Tournament Location: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: October 15th through 19th Understanding Sumo Wrestling Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium. This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter. Various rituals take place both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport. Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests. This opening gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies. Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training communally. Why London? The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October. London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place outside Japan in the sport's history. Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – an ancient traditional Japanese culture". The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad. Sumo Bout Mechanics The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles. Matches can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue several minutes. There exist two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple their opponent employing throwing techniques. Elite wrestlers often master various techniques adjusting against different styles. There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match. Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of body measurements. While women can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues. Life as a Sumo Wrestler Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities known as heya, led by a head trainer. Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods. The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating are documented. Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power. Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions. Competitive standing affects earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants. Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges. Competitive standings are established by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down the rankings. Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport. The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the pinnacle position. These champions represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning. Who Becomes a Rikishi There are approximately several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan. International competitors have participated significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently. Current Yokozuna include global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status. In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.