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

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

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to expel dark forces, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by 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 gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to find communities, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a major championship.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Matches

To win the match, one wrestler needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the surface using raw power.

The most use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in moments - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes meeting in the opening second of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

The positions right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one particular match, a large wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the first things most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it in person, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."