🔗 Share this article

Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ceremony before the opening contest is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for centuries - managed to do just that.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to expel evil spirits, and where they clap to summon the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "random video" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

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

"From there on, we tried to find communities, resources, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of securing tickets, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

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

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the surface using brute strength.

The most use one of two styles to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes meeting in the opening second of the match reverberates around the venue.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one particular match, a 191cm 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 wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its appeal among the younger generation 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 concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it in person, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."