🔗 Share this article

Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to 23BC.

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to expel dark forces, and where they applaud to attract the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of getting a seat, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the current event represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To win the match, one wrestler needs to move the other man off the clay or to the surface using brute strength.

The most use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi colliding in the first moment of the match echoes around the hall.

Prime Locations

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

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

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

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the demanding existence of a rikishi doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that is part of sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it directly, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."