🔗 Share this article

Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through an extended period of tradition before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to banish evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "unexpected footage" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the service of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, materials, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of getting a seat, with current times seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To win the match, one wrestler needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the surface using physical force.

The most use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in split seconds - pushing, 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 dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the first things most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a rikishi doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that goes with sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it live, you experience being you are more part of it."

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

"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 equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."