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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to banish dark forces, and where they clap to attract the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan isn't certain of getting a seat, with current times seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

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

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

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

The most use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in moments - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers meeting in the opening second of the match reverberates around the venue.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a large wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

Perhaps the demanding existence of a rikishi doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it live, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."