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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of tradition before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

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

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

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

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in 1991.

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

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Competition

To win the match, one rikishi needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the floor using physical force.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in moments - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers meeting in the opening second of the match resounds around the hall.

Premium Seating

The positions right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

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

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

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

Coming Obstacles

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

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

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it directly, you experience being you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."