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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of ceremony before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to banish dark forces, and where they clap to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

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

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

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with current times seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

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

The Matches

To succeed, one wrestler needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the surface using physical force.

The majority use one of two styles to achieve this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi colliding in the first moment of the match echoes around the venue.

Prime Locations

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

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

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

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

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a rikishi doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that accompanies sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it directly, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous 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."