There's Nothing Like Sensing the Historic London Venue Tremble When Sumo Athletes Collide

Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of tradition before the first point is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to drive away dark forces, and where they applaud to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover 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 focused video platforms for sumo stables, 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.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has come to London - the first time was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the current event represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to push another off the clay or to the surface using physical force.

The most use one of two styles to achieve this, often in moments - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi crashing together in the opening second of the match resounds around the venue.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a large wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the demanding existence of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it directly, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."