There's Nothing Like Experiencing the Historic London Venue Vibrate When Sumo Athletes Meet

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

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for generations - managed to do just that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose initial documentation 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.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to expel negative energies, and where they applaud to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, information, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

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

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in 1991.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to push another off the clay or to the floor using raw power.

The majority use one of two styles to achieve this, often in split seconds - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi meeting in the initial contact of the match resounds around the hall.

Front Row Positions

The positions right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a large wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 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 professional athlete doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it in person, you sense that you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from 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 absolutely worthwhile."