It's Unforgettable Feeling the Royal Albert Hall Shake When Rikishi Collide

Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through an extended period of ceremony before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for centuries - managed to do just that.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to drive away negative energies, and where they applaud to summon the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "unexpected footage" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to find communities, resources, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to push another off the clay or to the floor using physical force.

The most use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - thrusting, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi meeting in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one recent bout, a large wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

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

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - 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 young Japanese is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population 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," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it in person, you experience being you are more involved."

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

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."