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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of tradition before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for generations - succeeded in doing so.

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 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to expel dark forces, and where they applaud to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, 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 sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to find communities, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to push another out of the ring or to the floor using raw power.

The most use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in split seconds - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi meeting in the opening second of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

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

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they contemplate wrestling.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that accompanies sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it directly, you experience being you are more part of it."

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

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."