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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the first point is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for centuries - managed to do just that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to expel dark forces, and where they strike their hands to summon the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the first time was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of securing tickets, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

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

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes meeting in the initial contact of the match echoes around the hall.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

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

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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 competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it live, you sense that you are more involved."

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

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."