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Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of ceremony before the first point is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to expel evil spirits, and where they clap to summon the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with current times seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To succeed, one wrestler needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the ground using raw power.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers meeting in the opening second of the match reverberates around the hall.

Front Row Positions

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

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the athletes is one of the first things most people think of when they think of sumo.

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its following among youth in Japan is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that goes with sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it directly, you feel like you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the other fans.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."