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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of ceremony before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to expel negative energies, and where they strike their hands to summon the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "random video" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to find communities, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of securing tickets, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

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

The Bouts

To win the match, one wrestler needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the ground using raw power.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi meeting in the initial contact of the match resounds around the venue.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

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

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the rikishi is one of the first things most people consider when they think of sumo.

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

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

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

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

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it live, you sense that you are more part of it."

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

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