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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of tradition before the first point is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to drive away dark forces, and where they clap to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

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

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, materials, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even going to Japan isn't certain of securing tickets, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the current event represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To win the match, one competitor needs to push another from the dohyō or to the surface using brute strength.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in moments - pushing, or wrestling.

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

Premium Seating

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

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the rikishi 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 purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its following among young Japanese is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it live, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."