🔗 Share this article

Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of tradition before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

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

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

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

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with current times seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the floor using raw power.

The majority use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in moments - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi crashing together in the first moment of the match echoes around the hall.

Prime Locations

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its following among the younger generation is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it live, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."