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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of ceremony before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for generations - managed to do just that.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to expel evil spirits, and where they applaud to get the attention of the gods.

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

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the service of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

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

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

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

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the surface using raw power.

The majority use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in moments - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers colliding in the first moment of the match echoes around the venue.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one particular match, a large wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete 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 falling birthrate will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it directly, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."