🔗 Share this article

Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the first point is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

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

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to expel dark forces, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

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

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

"After that, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a major championship.

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

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Competition

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

The most use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in moments - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two wrestlers crashing together in the opening second of the match echoes around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a tall wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

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

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

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that accompanies sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it live, you feel like you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."