Nothing Compares to Experiencing the Royal Albert Hall Tremble When Sumo Wrestlers Clash

Few sports can captivate an audience through an extended period of tradition before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to banish negative energies, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

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

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

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

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the surface using brute strength.

The majority use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in split seconds - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes crashing together in the first moment of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

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

During one particular match, a tall wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they think of sumo.

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

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a rikishi 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 create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."