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

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

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

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

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

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

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, 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 major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the current event represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

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

The majority use one of two styles to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes meeting in the opening second of the match echoes around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the rikishi is one of the first things most people think of when they think of sumo.

The venue's management 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 challenges behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being challenged by other sports, 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 is part of sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it directly, you experience being you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."