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

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to drive away evil spirits, and where they clap to summon the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

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

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the current event represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To win the match, one wrestler needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the floor using brute strength.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi colliding in the first moment of the match resounds around the venue.

Premium Seating

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

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

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people consider when they think of sumo.

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

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its troubles 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 young Japanese is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it directly, you feel like you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the other fans.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."