Nothing Compares to Feeling the Historic London Venue Tremble When Sumo Wrestlers Meet

Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the first point is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to drive away negative energies, and where they clap to attract the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

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

"After that, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of securing tickets, with current times seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to move the other man off the clay or to the surface using physical force.

The most use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in split seconds - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two wrestlers colliding in the first moment of the match resounds around the hall.

Front Row Positions

The positions right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that goes with sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it directly, you sense that you are more part of it."

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

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."