π Share this article The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital The Grand Sumo Tournament Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October Understanding Sumo Wrestling Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years. This combat sport features two wrestlers β known as rikishi β battling inside a raised circular ring β a dohyo β spanning 4.55 meters in diameter. Various rituals are performed both preceding and following every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo. Traditionally before a match, a hole is made in the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests. The hole is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to scare away negative energies. Elite sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate dedicate their entire lives to it β living and training communally. The London Location This Major Sumo Event is taking place internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October. London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition β marking the initial occasion such an event took place outside Japan in sumo history. Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction β an ancient traditional Japanese culture". Sumo has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture abroad. How Sumo Matches Work The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The bout concludes once a wrestler gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet. Bouts might end almost instantly or last over two minutes. Sumo features two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws. Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles. Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout. Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings determine matchups instead of physical attributes. While women can participate in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions including major venues. Life as a Sumo Wrestler Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, led by a head trainer. The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. Early mornings dedicated to training, then consuming a substantial lunch of chankonabe β a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain β and an afternoon nap. The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting β thousands of calories β although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history. Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power. Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled by their stable and the Sumo Association β creating a distinctive existence in professional sports. A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, accommodation options including support staff. Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges. Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend in standing. Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published β a ceremonial list displaying everyone's status within the sport. The highest level features the title of Grand Champion β the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the essence of the sport β beyond mere competition. Who Becomes a Rikishi The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan. Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently over years, including Mongolian wrestlers achieving dominance currently. Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers from various nations achieving high ranks. In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.