🔗 Share this article

Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the first point is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for centuries - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite 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 elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to expel negative energies, and where they applaud to attract the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, 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 sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

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

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

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

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To win the match, one wrestler needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the surface using physical force.

The most use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in moments - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers meeting in the first moment of the match echoes around the hall.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

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

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that is part of sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it in person, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the other fans.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."