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

Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ceremony before the first point is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for centuries - managed to do just that.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to expel evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the service of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

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

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To succeed, one competitor needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the ground using brute strength.

The most use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in moments - thrusting, or clenching.

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

Premium Seating

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

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the athletes 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 take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as appealing 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 present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that is part of sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it directly, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."