Nothing Compares to Sensing the Historic London Venue Vibrate When Rikishi Collide

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

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to drive away negative energies, and where they clap to summon the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "unexpected footage" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, 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 pursuit of bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

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

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

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the first time was in over three decades ago.

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

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To win the match, one rikishi needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the floor using raw power.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in moments - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi colliding in the opening second of the match resounds around the venue.

Premium Seating

The positions right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people think of when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it live, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

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