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

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for generations - managed to do just that.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to expel negative energies, and where they strike their hands to attract the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

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

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

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

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To succeed, one rikishi needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the floor using physical force.

The most use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in moments - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi meeting in the opening second of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, a bit risky.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size 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 acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it live, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Getting out of a very niche 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 absolutely worthwhile."