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

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to expel evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to attract the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans 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 specialized online content for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the service of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: 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 discover networks, materials, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of getting a seat, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To win the match, 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 two styles to accomplish this, often in moments - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi crashing together in the opening second of the match echoes around the hall.

Front Row Positions

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

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

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

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

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it live, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."