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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of ceremony before the first point is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to expel negative energies, and where they clap to summon the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts 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 specialized online content for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan six years ago.

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

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

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

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the surface using physical force.

The most use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes colliding in the opening second of the match resounds around the venue.

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

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

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

Perhaps the demanding existence of a professional athlete doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its following among youth in Japan is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it directly, you feel like you are more part of it."

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

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."