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

Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for centuries - managed to do just that.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to banish negative energies, and where they applaud to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

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

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

"After that, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of getting a seat, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

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

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the floor using raw power.

The majority use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in moments - shoving, or clenching.

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

Front Row Positions

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

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

Organizational Issues

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people think of when they consider the sport.

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

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its following among youth in Japan is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it in person, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the other fans.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."