Think sumo wrestling, and you typically think Japan. The full-contact sport originated there, and it is still the only country where it is practised professionally. For a limited time this summer, however, fans can head to Greenwich to catch the rikishi in action. And there’s a twist, as the night is best enjoyed with sushi to get in the true spirit.

Tokyo Nights is the perfect way to embark on sumo culture without splashing out on a plane ticket. Taking place at Borough Hall, it features real sumo wrestlers taking place in authentic bouts against each other. The audience is split into four sections, with one rikishi, or wrestler, representing each quadrant. There’s Genbu, the tortoise; Seiryu, the dragon; Byakko, the tiger; and Suzaku, the bird.

As soon as you take your seats, you’re hard pressed not to get into the competitive spirit. Each section has its own trainer, who acts as a sort of hype-man (or woman), instructing their section on how and when to cheer, stamp their feet and when to be silent. Themed merchandise is also available for purchase – including fans emblazoned with each animal.

The fans ended up being desperately needed when I attended the Borough Hall event in the middle of the summer heatwave. Be warned, there is no air conditioning in the building and seemingly no fans for public use, either, so the best option is bringing your own if you don’t fancy stumping up £9 for a themed one.

There are various ticket options available, including a dining experience by Sticks’n’Sushi. We opted for this package, but bento boxes are also available for purchase if you want to sit in the non-dining area of the arena too.

I can’t resist a bit of dinner theatre, and the sushi ended up being the perfect option for such a hot day. You’ll start off with the first course before any of the action kicks off – comprised of beef tataki, karaage chicken and seaweed salad (vegetarian options are also available). The beef, served with miso aïoli, spring onion, root vegetable chips, shiitake & truffle ponzu, ended up being the highlight of the entire meal – truly delicious.

The second course, served during the wrestling, is a stunning sushi platter. Expect salmon, yellowfin tuna, tempura shrimp and avocado in both maki and nigiri forms. Lastly, dessert was a chocolate mouse served with rice crisp pearls. Drinks aren’t included in the dining package, but can be ordered from your table, with cocktails and sake on offer.

Food aside, the real highlight of the evening is the wrestling itself. The sound of bodies smacking together echoes around the room, while expert commentators are on hand to narrate the action as it happens. And though short, the bouts are very brutal. We were sitting up on the stage in one of the VIP areas (cross-legged under tables for a more authentic Japanese experience)

Each bout ends when a wrestler is either laid out flat on his back or forced out of the ring by the sheer strength of his opponent. We got the chance to snap a photo with two of the rikishi afterwards, and it was incredible to see them up close.

Overall, the experience was an incredibly immersive one, if a little confusing in parts. From the enthuasiastic compère to the nonchalant attitude of the wrestlers, it’s not entirely clear how much is a fictional spectacle and how much is actual fighting.

Tokyo Nights is heading to Manchester, with tickets going on sale soon – but you can register now for priority access.