Sumo Fans Warned of Falling Wrestlers as UK Hosts Tournament After 34-Year Break

SUMO enthusiasts have been warned about the possibility of being overrun by large wrestlers jumping from the ring, as the sport returns to the UK after an impressive 34-year hiatus.

The Grand Sumo Tournament is scheduled to begin this Wednesday at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

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More than 40 heavyweight sumo wrestlers from Japan are preparing to take part in an exciting five-day series of matches.

This tournament is only the second time that elite sumo from Japan has taken place outside its homeland, the first being in 1991 at the same Kensington venue.

With expectations of showcasing raw power, rich traditions, and fierce battles, spectators close to the ring have been warned to brace for unexpected landings from wrestlers.

The Royal Albert Hall has issued a statement advising: “Wrestlers might fall or be propelled from the ring into the audience during the competition.”

Additionally, attendees should be aware of the risk of flying grains of salt and sand used in the traditional rituals of sumo during the matches.

The advisory further states: “Food and/or beverages will not be allowed in the ringside area. Note that sand or salt may occasionally be thrown from the ring.”

No barriers will separate competitors from front row fans, who will sit on cushions instead of traditional seats; however, these areas are not recommended for those with mobility issues, as fans are advised to sit there “at their own risk.”

The Royal Albert Hall will be transformed into a “temple of sumo,” featuring a traditional soil and sand dohyō (ring) and a ceiling designed to resemble a classic Shinto shrine.

A statement from the venue reads: “Each match is a breathtaking display, blending explosive athleticism with ceremonial elegance.”

“With vivid, intricately designed silk kesho-mawashi robes and age-old salt-throwing traditions, every detail is steeped in history and culture.”

Watch the thrilling moment a boy, 16, defeats a massive sumo wrestler more than twice his size in a ‘David vs Goliath’ battle

The upcoming five-day basho, or tournament, will see competitors contending for the prestigious title of grand champion, or Yokozuna, the highest rank in the sport.

With roots extending back over 1,500 years, sumo is intimately linked with the Shinto faith.

Competitors dress in traditional loincloths and follow strict customs, including the ritual salt-throwing used to sanctify the ring and repel evil spirits.

Due to the intensity of the matches and the risks associated with sitting close to the action, organizers recommend that children under eight years old avoid the ringside area altogether.

Despite the warnings, a full house is anticipated at the 5,000-seat venue, as sumo’s rare return to London is seen as a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

Outside the limelight of the tournament, British teenager Nicholas Zilkin, 15, from Hull, is training to emerge as the UK’s new sumo star.

The 6ft 3in aspiring wrestler has secured a scholarship at the celebrated Minato Beya stable in Japan, where he will undergo full-time training alongside ten other hopefuls under rigorous daily routines.

Nicholas told The Sun: “I’ve received this opportunity, and I intend to make the most of it.

“My goal is to climb to the higher ranks, and that inspires my ambition.”

He must also adhere to the sumo diet, which consists of two substantial meals a day totaling 7,000 to 8,000 calories, including the traditional hot-pot dish chanko nabe, often followed by lengthy naps while still in full gear.

Nicholas added: “My father had connections to a sumo wrestler who reached the highest rank in Japan and organizes an annual tournament.

“I managed to win against fierce competition. That experience revealed to me that sumo wrestling was my calling.”

Both the Japan Sumo Association and Royal Albert Hall have been contacted for further comments.

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