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Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the first point is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to the first century BC.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

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

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, 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 pursuit of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of securing tickets, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

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

The most use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in moments - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes meeting in the initial contact of the match resounds around the venue.

Premium Seating

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

During one specific contest, a tall wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the rikishi is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it directly, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."