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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ceremony before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for generations - managed to do just that.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to expel negative energies, and where they clap to attract the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

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

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

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in 1991.

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

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the ground using brute strength.

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

Either way, the noise of the two athletes colliding in the first moment of the match reverberates around the hall.

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

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

Organizational Issues

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

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

Perhaps the demanding existence of a rikishi doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its following among young Japanese is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it in person, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, 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 live and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."