🔗 Share this article

Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of ritual before the first point is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

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

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to expel evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the current event represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the floor using brute strength.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers crashing together in the opening second of the match resounds around the venue.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one particular match, a large wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the rikishi is one of the primary elements most people consider when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its following among youth in Japan is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it in person, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."