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

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records 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 Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to expel evil spirits, and where they strike their hands 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.

Global Fans Find Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

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 common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

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

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the current event represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To succeed, one competitor needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the surface using brute strength.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi crashing together in the initial contact of the match echoes around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one specific contest, a tall wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they think of sumo.

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

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the strict life of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its following among youth in Japan is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it live, you feel like you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."