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

Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the initial score is even decided.

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

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue 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 leg stomps to drive away evil spirits, and where they clap to summon the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

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

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To succeed, one wrestler needs to push another from the dohyō or to the ground using physical force.

The most use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or clenching.

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

Premium Seating

The positions right next to the dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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 alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that goes with sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it directly, you experience being you are more part of it."

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

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."