There's Nothing Like Sensing the Royal Albert Hall Shake When Sumo Wrestlers Clash

Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of tradition before the first point is even determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

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

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to drive away evil spirits, and where they clap to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, information, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

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

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

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the current event represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

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

The Competition

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to push another off the clay or to the ground using brute strength.

The most use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or grappling.

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

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a large wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the primary elements most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it directly, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."