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Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through an extended period of ceremony before the first point is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for centuries - managed to do just that.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to expel negative energies, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, resources, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

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 first time was in 1991.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

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

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To succeed, one rikishi needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the surface using physical force.

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

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi meeting in the initial contact of the match echoes around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a large wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's declining population will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it directly, you experience being you are more involved."

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

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."