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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through an extended period of tradition before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for generations - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi 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 competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to banish negative energies, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the deities.

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

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the service of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even going to Japan isn't certain of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To win the match, one competitor needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the surface using physical force.

The most use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi meeting in the first moment of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

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

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that is part of sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it live, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a highly specialized 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 completely valuable."