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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of tradition before the first point is even contested.

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

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to drive away evil spirits, and where they applaud to attract the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the service of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of obtaining admission, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

To succeed, one competitor needs to push another from the dohyō or to the surface using physical force.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in moments - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The positions right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, a bit risky.

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's declining population will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it directly, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."