Nothing Compares to Sensing the Historic London Venue Tremble When Sumo Wrestlers Collide

Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through an extended period of ceremony before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to expel dark forces, and where they applaud to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

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

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia 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 first time was in 1991.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To succeed, one wrestler needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the floor using physical force.

The majority use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or wrestling.

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

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they contemplate wrestling.

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find 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 strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it in person, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."