There's Nothing Like Feeling the Royal Albert Hall Tremble When Sumo Athletes Collide

Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ritual before the first point is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to expel dark forces, and where they strike their hands to summon the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

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

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To win the match, one wrestler needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the surface using physical force.

The most use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in moments - thrusting, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi colliding in the opening second of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the first things most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its following among the younger generation is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that accompanies sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it directly, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a highly specialized 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."