It's Unforgettable Experiencing the Royal Albert Hall Shake When Rikishi Clash

Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the opening contest is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to the first century BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to expel dark forces, and where they strike their hands to summon the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "unexpected footage" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

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

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

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Bouts

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

The most use one of two styles to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi meeting in the initial contact of the match echoes around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

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

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can withstand 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 rikishi doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's declining population will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it directly, you experience being you are more engaged."

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

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."