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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the first point is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to expel negative energies, and where they strike their hands to attract the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

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

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

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

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the current event represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Competition

To win the match, one wrestler needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the surface using physical force.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in split seconds - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi crashing together in the first moment of the match echoes around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

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

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs 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 rigorous lifestyle of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its following among young Japanese is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it directly, you sense that you are more part of it."

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

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."