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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of ritual before the first point is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to drive away negative energies, and where they applaud to attract the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

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

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with current times seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To succeed, one rikishi needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the floor using raw power.

The most use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in split seconds - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers crashing together in the opening second of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

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

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The hall's organizers 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 challenges behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that goes with sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it directly, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."