It's Unforgettable Feeling the Historic London Venue Tremble When Sumo Wrestlers Collide

Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the first point is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to the first century BC.

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to drive away evil spirits, and where they applaud to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

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

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia 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 first time was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of getting a seat, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the current event represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the floor using raw power.

The most use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes crashing together in the first moment of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

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

During one particular match, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

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

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its following among the younger generation is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it live, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."