🔗 Share this article

Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through an extended period of ritual before the first point is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to expel negative energies, and where they strike their hands to summon the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even going to Japan isn't certain of securing tickets, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the ground using brute strength.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in split seconds - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes crashing together in the first moment of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

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

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the spectators - 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 first things most people consider 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 sell-out events - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

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

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that is part of sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it directly, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."