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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through an extended period of ritual before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for generations - managed to do just that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier 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 dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to banish negative energies, and where they applaud to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - 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 an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

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

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the floor using raw power.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes meeting in the opening second of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its troubles 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 the younger generation is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it live, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "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 directly and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."