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

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - 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 first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to expel evil spirits, and where they clap to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

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

Even going to Japan isn't certain of securing tickets, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To succeed, one competitor needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the ground using raw power.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers meeting in the opening second of the match echoes around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

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

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture 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 strict life of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that accompanies sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it live, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Emerging from 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 just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."