It's Unforgettable Feeling the Historic London Venue Tremble When Sumo Wrestlers Collide

Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of tradition before the first point is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to drive away dark forces, and where they strike their hands to summon the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

Even traveling to Asia isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to move the other man off the clay or to the surface using physical force.

The majority use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in moments - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi colliding in the opening second of the match resounds around the hall.

Prime Locations

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

During one specific contest, a large wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

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

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it in person, you feel like you are more engaged."

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

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."