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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of ritual before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to banish evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to attract the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

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

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

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with current times seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to push another off the clay or to the surface using raw power.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in moments - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes meeting in the opening second of the match reverberates around the hall.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the first things most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its following among youth in Japan is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it live, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."