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Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of ceremony before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for centuries - managed to do just that.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to drive away evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to attract the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the surface using physical force.

The most use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in moments - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi meeting in the opening second of the match reverberates around the hall.

Premium Seating

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

During one particular match, a large wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they consider the sport.

The venue's management 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 demanding existence of a professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice 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 "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."