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Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through an extended period of ritual before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for generations - managed to do just that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to banish negative energies, and where they applaud to summon the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

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

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of securing tickets, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the current event represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the ground using brute strength.

The most use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in split seconds - pushing, or clenching.

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

Premium Seating

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

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

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

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

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that goes with sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it directly, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."