Nothing Compares to Sensing the Historic London Venue Shake When Sumo Wrestlers Meet

Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of ritual before the first point is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to expel evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to attract the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

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

The Matches

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to push another off the clay or to the surface using physical force.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in moments - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the hall.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people consider when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that is part of sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it in person, you sense that you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."