It's Unforgettable Experiencing the Royal Albert Hall Vibrate When Rikishi Collide

Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of tradition before the opening contest is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to drive away negative energies, and where they strike their hands to attract the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

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 ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

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

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

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

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To succeed, one competitor needs to move the other man off the clay or to the ground using raw power.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in moments - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers meeting in the first moment of the match resounds around the hall.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

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

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that is part of sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it directly, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."