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

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to drive away evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to attract the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country 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, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

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 come to London - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan isn't certain of getting a seat, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

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

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To win the match, one competitor needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the ground using brute strength.

The most use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes crashing together in the opening second of the match resounds around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

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 successful competitions - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that is part of sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it in person, you experience being you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."