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Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of ceremony before the first point is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

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 first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to banish evil spirits, and where they clap to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to find communities, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

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

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To win the match, one wrestler needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the ground using physical force.

The primary group use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in split seconds - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi meeting in the opening second of the match reverberates around the hall.

Premium Seating

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the strict life of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."