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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ceremony before the first point is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to drive away negative energies, and where they clap to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

Even going to Japan isn't certain of getting a seat, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the ground using physical force.

The most use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes meeting in the first moment of the match resounds around the hall.

Front Row Positions

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that is part of sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it live, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a particularly focused 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 worth every penny."