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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

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

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to banish negative energies, and where they strike their hands to summon the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "chance online clip" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To succeed, one rikishi needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the surface using brute strength.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers colliding in the first moment of the match reverberates around the hall.

Prime Locations

The positions 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 feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the rikishi is one of the primary elements most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the demanding existence of a rikishi doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that goes with sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it live, you experience being you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."