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Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of ceremony before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for centuries - managed to do just that.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament 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 renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to expel dark forces, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the ground using brute strength.

The majority use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

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

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

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

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

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

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

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it directly, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the other fans.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."