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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through an extended period of ceremony before the first point is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for generations - managed to do just that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to banish evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "unexpected footage" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - 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 very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To succeed, one rikishi needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the surface using physical force.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in moments - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two wrestlers colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the hall.

Front Row Positions

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the first things most people consider when they contemplate wrestling.

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its difficulties 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 competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it in person, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."