🔗 Share this article

Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to drive away dark forces, and where they applaud to attract the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

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

The Bouts

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

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

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi meeting in the first moment of the match resounds around the venue.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size 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 withstand 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 rikishi doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

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

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that goes with sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it directly, you experience being you are more engaged."

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

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."