It's Unforgettable Sensing the Historic London Venue Shake When Sumo Wrestlers Clash

Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of tradition before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to expel evil spirits, and where they clap to summon the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

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

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland 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 the early nineties.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To win the match, one rikishi needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the floor using brute strength.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in moments - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers colliding in the opening second of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the demanding existence of a professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it directly, you experience being you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."