🔗 Share this article

Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to the first century BC.

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to drive away dark forces, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers 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 sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

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

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

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, materials, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of securing tickets, with current times seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To succeed, one rikishi needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the surface using brute strength.

The most use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in moments - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi crashing together in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the hall.

Front Row Positions

The positions right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

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

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people consider when they contemplate wrestling.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its following among the younger generation is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it directly, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Getting out of 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 absolutely worthwhile."