🔗 Share this article

Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to expel evil spirits, and where they applaud to attract the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the service of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, information, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

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

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

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

The majority use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers meeting in the first moment of the match reverberates around the hall.

Premium Seating

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

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate 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.

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it live, you experience being you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a very niche 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."