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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of tradition before the first point is even decided.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

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

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to expel negative energies, and where they applaud to summon the divine beings.

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

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the current event represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the surface using physical force.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in moments - shoving, or grappling.

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

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a large wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

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 buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its following among young Japanese is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that goes with sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it directly, you feel like you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."