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Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the first point is even determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to expel negative energies, and where they applaud to attract the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly 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 rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

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

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, information, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of getting a seat, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To succeed, one wrestler needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the surface using physical force.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in moments - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes crashing together in the first moment of the match resounds around the hall.

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one specific contest, a tall wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people consider when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the demanding existence of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its following among young Japanese is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it live, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."