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

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for centuries - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to banish negative energies, and where they applaud to attract the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the surface using raw power.

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

Either way, the sound of the two athletes colliding in the first moment of the match reverberates around the venue.

Prime Locations

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

During one particular match, a tall wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can support 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 sumo wrestler doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its following among young Japanese is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it directly, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."