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Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of tradition before the opening contest is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to drive away evil spirits, and where they applaud to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage 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 wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to find communities, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in over three decades ago.

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

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To win the match, one wrestler needs to push another out of the ring or to the surface using brute strength.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in moments - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi crashing together in the first moment of the match echoes around the venue.

Premium Seating

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

During one recent bout, a large wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

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 "needed to find and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that goes with sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it directly, you sense that you are more involved."

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

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."