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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to banish evil spirits, and where they applaud to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, resources, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

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

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

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to move the other man off the clay or to the surface using brute strength.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in split seconds - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers crashing together in the initial contact of the match echoes around the hall.

Prime Locations

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

During one recent bout, a large wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they think of sumo.

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

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its troubles 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 the younger generation is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that goes with sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it live, you feel like you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."