🔗 Share this article

Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of tradition before the first point is even decided.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to banish negative energies, and where they strike their hands to summon the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the service of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to find communities, information, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

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

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in 1991.

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

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to push another from the dohyō or to the surface using physical force.

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

Either way, the noise of the two wrestlers meeting in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

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

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it in person, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."