🔗 Share this article The Reason This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in the UK Capital This Prestigious Sumo Competition Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th Understanding Japan's National Sport Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years. This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter. Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following each bout, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo. Traditionally before a match, an opening is created in the center of the ring and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies. This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off bad spirits. Professional sumo is governed a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings. Why London? This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th. The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event took place beyond Japan in sumo history. Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition". Sumo has seen substantial growth in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament could further boost the popularity of Japanese culture abroad. How Sumo Matches Work The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The bout is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or makes contact using anything besides the sole of his feet. Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes. Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent and use throwing techniques. High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles. There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match. Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than physical attributes. While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues. Rikishi Lifestyle Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master. The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap. The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history. Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts. Virtually every aspect of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions. A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options and even personal assistants. Younger or lower ranked rikishi handle chores in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive special privileges. Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones descend the rankings. Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status in professional sumo. The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of sumo – beyond mere competition. Who Becomes a Rikishi There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan. Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently. Current Yokozuna feature global participants, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks. Recently, foreign prospects have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.