There's Nothing Like Experiencing the Royal Albert Hall Tremble When Sumo Wrestlers Clash

Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ceremony before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

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

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first caught her attention 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 nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

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

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, resources, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in over three decades ago.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Competition

To win the match, one wrestler needs to push another from the dohyō or to the floor using raw power.

The most use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in moments - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes colliding in the first moment of the match echoes around the venue.

Prime Locations

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

During one particular match, a tall wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the first things most people think of when they think of sumo.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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 alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it directly, you feel like 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 observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."