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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of ritual before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to banish negative energies, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

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

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, information, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

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

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

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

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

The majority use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in split seconds - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes crashing together in the first moment of the match echoes around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people think of when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its difficulties 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 youth in Japan is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that goes with sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it live, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."