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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the first point is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to drive away evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

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 ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, information, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of getting a seat, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

To win the match, one wrestler needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the surface using brute strength.

The majority use one of two styles to achieve this, often in split seconds - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi colliding in the opening second of the match echoes around the venue.

Front Row Positions

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

During one particular match, a tall wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

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

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

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's declining population will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that accompanies sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it in person, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."