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Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of ceremony before the initial score is even determined.

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

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to drive away negative energies, and where they clap to attract the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the service of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan 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 find communities, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with current times seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To succeed, one competitor needs to push another off the clay or to the floor using brute strength.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi crashing together in the opening second of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

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

Internal Challenges

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its following among young Japanese is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it in person, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."