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

Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of ceremony before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for centuries - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to drive away dark forces, and where they clap to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "unexpected footage" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

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

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

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

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of getting a seat, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To win the match, 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 split seconds - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi crashing together in the initial contact of the match resounds around the venue.

Premium Seating

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

During one recent bout, a large wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the first things most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

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

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a rikishi doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its following among youth in Japan is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it live, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."