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

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to banish negative energies, and where they applaud to attract the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

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

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a major championship.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Competition

To win the match, one wrestler needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the ground using raw power.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in moments - shoving, or clenching.

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

Front Row Positions

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

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the rikishi is one of the first things most people consider when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its following among the younger generation is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it directly, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a highly specialized 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 worth every penny."