đ Share this article It's Unforgettable Experiencing the Historic London Venue Tremble When Rikishi Collide Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the opening contest is even decided. Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyĆ - largely unaltered for generations - succeeded in doing so. Discover the Major Sumo Competition This five-day event at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times. London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring. 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 deities. Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want. Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago. This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of increasing mass. 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 considered it a very touristy activity, 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 Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a major championship. This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in the early nineties. Even visiting the country isn't certain of securing tickets, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments. First-Hand Experience For many attendees, the UK competition represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype. "Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable." The Competition To achieve victory, one competitor needs to move the other man from the dohyĆ or to the floor using raw power. The majority use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or clenching. Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers colliding in the first moment of the match reverberates around the hall. Premium Seating The seats right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous. During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved. Internal Challenges Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they contemplate wrestling. The venue's management revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight." But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its challenges behind the scenes. Future Challenges Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have. Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will create further complications. International Network Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London. "Witnessing these custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it in person, you experience being you are more engaged." For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts. "Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."