There's Nothing Like Feeling the Historic London Venue Shake When Sumo Wrestlers Collide

Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to expel dark forces, and where they applaud to attract the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "unexpected footage" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to find communities, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

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

The Competition

To succeed, one competitor needs to push another out of the ring or to the floor using physical force.

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

Either way, the noise of the two wrestlers crashing together in the first moment of the match resounds 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 went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

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

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the strict life of a rikishi doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it in person, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"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 similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."