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Few sports can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for generations - managed to do just that.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, 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 massive rotating display - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

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

"We considered it a very touristy activity, 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," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a major championship.

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has come to London - the first time was in the early nineties.

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

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

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

The Competition

To succeed, one competitor needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the surface using raw power.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi crashing together in the first moment of the match resounds around the hall.

Front Row Positions

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

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

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its troubles 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 threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it directly, you feel like you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."