🔗 Share this article

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

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to drive away negative energies, and where they clap to attract the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

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

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

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan isn't certain of getting a seat, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"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 stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To win the match, one wrestler needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the surface using physical force.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - thrusting, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes meeting in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the hall.

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one recent bout, a large wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

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

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its following among the younger generation is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it in person, you experience being you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the other fans.

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