🔗 Share this article

Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for generations - managed to do just that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to banish evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to attract the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, 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.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

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

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Matches

To win the match, one rikishi needs to push another from the dohyō or to the ground using brute strength.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in moments - thrusting, or grappling.

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

Prime Locations

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

During one specific contest, a tall wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they consider the sport.

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the demanding existence of a professional athlete doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it directly, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."