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

Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of tradition before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to expel evil spirits, and where they applaud to attract the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of getting a seat, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To win the match, 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 accomplish this, often in moments - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes colliding in the opening second of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

The positions right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one recent bout, a large wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

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

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

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

Future Challenges

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that goes with sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it live, you experience being you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with 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 similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."