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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to drive away negative energies, and where they clap to attract the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward 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 saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

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

Special Event

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of getting a seat, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the strength 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 from the dohyō or to the floor using brute strength.

The majority use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in split seconds - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers crashing together in the first moment of the match resounds around the venue.

Premium Seating

The positions right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

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

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people consider when they consider the sport.

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its following among the younger generation is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that goes with sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it live, you experience being you are more involved."

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

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."