🔗 Share this article

Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of tradition before the first point is even contested.

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

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to drive away dark forces, and where they strike their hands to attract the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to find communities, resources, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of securing tickets, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To win the match, one wrestler needs to push another off the clay or to the surface using brute strength.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi crashing together in the opening second of the match reverberates around the venue.

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one recent bout, a large wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people consider when they consider the sport.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the demanding existence of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."