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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ritual before the first point is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

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

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

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

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

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

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, resources, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the floor using brute strength.

The primary group use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes meeting in the first moment of the match resounds around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The positions right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that is part of sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it in person, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of 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 similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."