🔗 Share this article Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital This Prestigious Sumo Competition Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: 15-19 October Exploring Sumo Wrestling Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years. This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter. Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo. Customarily prior to competition, an opening is created in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies. The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits. Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally. The London Location This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, 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 such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history. Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition". Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad. How Sumo Matches Work The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles. Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes. Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use judo-like throws. High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents. Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws to clever side-steps. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout. Weight classes 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 amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues. Rikishi Lifestyle Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer. The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap. Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history. Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts. Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle among athletic professions. Competitive standing determines their payment, accommodation options including personal assistants. Junior less established rikishi perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges. Sumo rankings get determined by results during yearly events. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down in standing. Prior to events, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport. The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition. Sumo Wrestlers Demographics The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most being Japanese. International competitors have participated significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times. Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks. In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.