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Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through an extended period of tradition before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for centuries - managed to do just that.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to expel dark forces, and where they clap to attract the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

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

The primary group use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or wrestling.

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

Prime Locations

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

During one specific contest, a tall wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

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

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

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it live, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."