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Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of ritual before the opening contest is even decided.

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

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to drive away dark forces, and where they applaud to summon the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

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

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in 1991.

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

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the current event represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To win the match, one wrestler needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the ground using brute strength.

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

Either way, the noise of the two athletes colliding in the first moment of the match resounds around the venue.

Front Row Positions

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

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

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

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a rikishi doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

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

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it live, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving 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 equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."