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Few sports can captivate an audience through an extended period of ceremony before the first point is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to drive away dark forces, and where they clap to attract the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace 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 practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

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

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

"After that, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of getting a seat, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the surface using physical force.

The most use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in moments - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes meeting in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

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

During one particular match, a tall wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

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

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

Perhaps the demanding existence of a professional athlete doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the other fans.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."