🔗 Share this article

Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of tradition before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for generations - managed to do just that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to banish negative energies, and where they strike their hands to summon the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "unexpected footage" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"After that, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

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

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the ground using brute strength.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers meeting in the initial contact of the match resounds around the hall.

Front Row Positions

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

During one particular match, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they think of sumo.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its following among young Japanese is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it live, you feel like you are more involved."

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

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."