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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ritual before the first point is even decided.

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

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

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

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "unexpected footage" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To win the match, one rikishi needs to push another out of the ring or to the floor using raw power.

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

Either way, the sound of the two athletes crashing together in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the hall.

Premium Seating

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

During one specific contest, a large wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they consider the sport.

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can withstand 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 sumo wrestler doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that is part of sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

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