🔗 Share this article

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

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for generations - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

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

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to expel evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to attract the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the service of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a major championship.

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

Even going to Japan isn't certain of getting a seat, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Bouts

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

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

Either way, the impact of the two athletes crashing together in the initial contact of the match resounds around the hall.

Front Row Positions

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

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

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

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

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

Future Challenges

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it live, you sense that you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."