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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers 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 Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to banish evil spirits, and where they applaud to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

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

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to push another out of the ring or to the surface using physical force.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in moments - thrusting, or grappling.

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

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

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

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the demanding existence of a professional athlete doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

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

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that is part of sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it in person, you feel like you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

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