It's Unforgettable Feeling the Royal Albert Hall Shake When Sumo Athletes Clash

Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of tradition before the first point is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to 23BC.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to expel evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To succeed, one rikishi needs to move the other man off the clay or to the floor using physical force.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the venue.

Premium Seating

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

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

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the first things most people think of when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its following among young Japanese is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that accompanies sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it directly, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a very niche 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."