🔗 Share this article The Reason the Grand Sumo Tournament Takes Place in London This Prestigious Sumo Competition Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th Exploring Japan's National Sport Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back over a millennium. This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter. Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo. Customarily prior to competition, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests. The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies. Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – living and training communally. Why London? The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally for just the second time, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th. The British capital with this iconic venue previously held the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in the sport's history. Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture". Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest among international fans recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad. How Sumo Matches Work The basic rules of sumo are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet. Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last several minutes. There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques. High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents. There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, meaning unexpected results can occur during any match. Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system decides opponents instead of body measurements. Although female athletes can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas. Life as a Sumo Wrestler Professional rikishi reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master. Everyday life of a rikishi focuses entirely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, then consuming a large meal the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap. Typical rikishi eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented. Wrestlers purposely increase mass to enhance leverage during matches. Although large, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts. Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports. Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants. Junior less established wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy preferred treatment. Sumo rankings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing. Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document showing everyone's status within the sport. The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the essence of the sport – beyond mere competition. Sumo Wrestlers Demographics The sport includes several hundred wrestlers competing professionally, with most from Japan. International competitors have participated prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently. Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status. In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan seeking wrestling careers.