There's Nothing Like Experiencing the Royal Albert Hall Shake When Rikishi Collide

Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to banish evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

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

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has come to London - the first time was in 1991.

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

In-Person Viewing

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

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to push another out of the ring or to the floor using physical force.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in moments - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the hall.

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

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

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

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

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it in person, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."