🔗 Share this article

Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of tradition before the first point is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to banish dark forces, and where they clap to attract the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

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

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan isn't certain of obtaining admission, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

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

The Matches

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

The most use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in moments - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes crashing together in the initial contact of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

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

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people consider when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs 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 demanding existence of a professional athlete doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its following among young Japanese is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that is part of sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it directly, you experience being you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."