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

Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of ritual before the opening contest is even contested.

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

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to drive away evil spirits, and where they clap to summon the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "unexpected footage" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

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

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in 1991.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

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

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to push another off the clay or to the ground using raw power.

The most use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in moments - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi colliding in the first moment of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a rikishi doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that goes with sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it directly, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."