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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of tradition before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to drive away negative energies, and where they clap to summon the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "unexpected footage" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

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

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

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

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the ground using physical force.

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

Either way, the impact of the two athletes crashing together in the first moment of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

The positions right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a professional athlete doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that is part of sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it live, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."