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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of ceremony before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to drive away dark forces, and where they clap to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

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 feeling of velocity and the force which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to move the other man off the clay or to the surface using physical force.

The most use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in split seconds - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi colliding in the first moment of the match resounds around the hall.

Premium Seating

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

During one specific contest, a large wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the first things most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The hall's organizers 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 difficulties behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

Perhaps the strict life of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it in person, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the other fans.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."