🔗 Share this article

Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the first point is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to expel dark forces, and where they applaud to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

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

"We saw it as 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 expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - 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," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To win the match, one competitor needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the surface using raw power.

The majority use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in moments - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes crashing together in the first moment of the match echoes around the hall.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the first things most people think of when they think of sumo.

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

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

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it directly, you sense that you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."