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

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to banish evil spirits, and where they clap to summon the deities.

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

Global Fans Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "unexpected footage" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts 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 ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to find communities, resources, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the current event represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the surface using raw power.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in moments - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes crashing together in the first moment of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The positions right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people consider when they consider the sport.

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its following among the younger generation is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that goes with sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it in person, you sense that you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."