🔗 Share this article

Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of tradition before the first point is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for centuries - managed to do just that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to drive away dark forces, and where they strike their hands to attract the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the service of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

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

"After that, we tried to locate groups, information, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to push another out of the ring or to the ground using physical force.

The most use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in split seconds - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes colliding in the first moment of the match reverberates around the venue.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

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

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it directly, you feel like you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."