🔗 Share this article The Reason This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in the UK Capital This Prestigious Sumo Competition Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October Exploring Japan's National Sport Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years. This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across. Various rituals are performed before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the sport. Customarily before a match, an opening is made at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies. This opening is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. The rikishi subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits. Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, and the wrestlers who participate commit completely to the sport – residing and practicing communally. The London Location This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th. The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history. Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed he wanted to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition". Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally. Sumo Bout Mechanics The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or makes contact with anything other than their foot soles. Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue over two minutes. There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors out of the ring through strength, while belt-fighters choose to grip the other rikishi and use throwing techniques. Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt to their opponents. There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout. Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. The ranking system determine matchups instead of physical attributes. Although female athletes do compete 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, under a stable master. Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap. Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of massive eating exist in sumo history. Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements and explosive power. Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a distinctive existence among athletic professions. A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants. Younger less established rikishi handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges. Competitive standings get determined by results during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, while those losing drop down in standing. Before each tournament, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo. At the summit exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition. Who Becomes a Rikishi There are approximately 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan. International competitors have participated prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times. Current Yokozuna include international representatives, with competitors from various nations reaching elite status. Recently, young international aspirants have traveled to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.