Nothing Compares to Sensing the Royal Albert Hall Tremble When Sumo Wrestlers Meet

Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ceremony before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to banish negative energies, and where they applaud to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, 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.

Global Fans Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, resources, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in 1991.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the floor using physical force.

The majority use one of two styles to achieve this, often in moments - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers crashing together in the first moment of the match echoes around the hall.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a large wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they consider the sport.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture 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 demanding existence of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its following among youth in Japan is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that accompanies sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it in person, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

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