Nothing Compares to Feeling the Historic London Venue Tremble When Sumo Wrestlers Clash

Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of ceremony before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to expel dark forces, and where they applaud to summon the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

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

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of obtaining admission, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to push another off the clay or to the floor using brute strength.

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

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its following among the younger generation is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it live, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."