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Few sports can captivate an audience through an extended period of ritual before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

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

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to banish negative energies, and where they applaud to summon the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

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

The Competition

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

The most use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers meeting in the opening second of the match reverberates around the hall.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

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

The hall's organizers 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 difficulties behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that is part of sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it live, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from 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 absolutely worthwhile."