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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the first point is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to drive away evil spirits, and where they applaud to get the attention of the deities.

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

International Enthusiasts Find 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, rising before dawn to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

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

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

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

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to push another off the clay or to the surface using brute strength.

The most use one of two styles to achieve this, often in moments - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi meeting in the initial contact of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

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

During one particular match, a large wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it in person, you sense that you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."