🔗 Share this article

Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to drive away negative energies, and where they clap to attract the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the current event represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To succeed, one wrestler needs to move the other man off the clay or to the ground using brute strength.

The majority use one of two styles to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers crashing together in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the hall.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it live, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."