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Few sports can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of ceremony before the first point is even decided.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to expel dark forces, and where they applaud to summon the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "unexpected footage" 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 athletes reside and practice, waking up early to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To win the match, one wrestler needs to move the other man off the clay or to the ground using physical force.

The majority use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in moments - thrusting, or wrestling.

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

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

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

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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 challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it directly, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the other fans.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."