It's Unforgettable Experiencing the Historic London Venue Shake When Sumo Athletes Clash

Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of tradition before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to expel dark forces, and where they clap to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "unexpected footage" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

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

Special Event

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with current times seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to push another out of the ring or to the ground using physical force.

The most use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in moments - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi colliding in the initial contact of the match echoes around the hall.

Prime Locations

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

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its following among young Japanese is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that goes with sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it directly, you sense that you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."