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

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to drive away negative energies, and where they clap to attract the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "random video" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

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

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To succeed, one competitor needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the floor using raw power.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes colliding in the first moment of the match reverberates around the hall.

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people consider when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it directly, you sense that you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."