Nothing Compares to Feeling the Royal Albert Hall Shake When Rikishi Meet

Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of tradition before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to banish dark forces, and where they applaud to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

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

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

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

Live Observation

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Competition

To win the match, one wrestler needs to push another out of the ring or to the floor using physical force.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi crashing together in the first moment of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the ring 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 feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

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

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the demanding existence of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it directly, you feel like you are more involved."

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

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."