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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of tradition before the first point is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to expel dark forces, and where they clap to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "unexpected footage" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

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

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

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

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the surface using physical force.

The most use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers crashing together in the initial contact of the match echoes around the hall.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

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

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

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

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it live, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

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