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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of tradition before the first point is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers 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.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to expel dark forces, and where they strike their hands to attract the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

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

Live Observation

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the ground using raw power.

The most use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in moments - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi colliding in the initial contact of the match echoes around the hall.

Premium Seating

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

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the first things most people imagine when they think of sumo.

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it live, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."