🔗 Share this article

Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the first point is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for generations - managed to do just that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue 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 wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to banish evil spirits, and where they applaud to attract the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

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

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To win the match, one rikishi needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the surface using brute strength.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in moments - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi meeting in the initial contact of the match resounds around the venue.

Premium Seating

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people imagine when they think of sumo.

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that is part of sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it in person, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."