There's Nothing Like Feeling the Historic London Venue Tremble When Sumo Athletes Meet

Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through an extended period of ritual before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to expel evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to attract the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the service of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

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

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

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

This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To win the match, one competitor needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the floor using raw power.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in split seconds - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

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

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people think of when they consider the sport.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that goes with sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it directly, you sense that you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."