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Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the first point is even contested.

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

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

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

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the first time was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To succeed, one competitor needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the surface using physical force.

The most use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in moments - thrusting, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi colliding in the first moment of the match reverberates around the hall.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a large wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

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

Its following among young Japanese is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that is part of sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it live, you feel like you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."