Sumo in London: spectators warned about the risk of wrestlers flying out of the ring.

Return of Sumo to Great Britain

According to The Sun: Sumo fans have been warned about the risk of being hit by large wrestlers who may fly out of the ring. This sport is returning to Great Britain for the first time in 34 years.

The Sumo Grand Prix will kick off this Wednesday at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

The Royal Albert Hall has warned fans about the possibility of wrestlers falling. PA This London venue also hosted the last event outside Japan in 1991. REUTERS

More than 40 heavy wrestlers from Japan will compete over five days.

This is only the second time that elite Japanese national sport takes place outside the country, the last being in 1991 in the same Kensington.

Organizers warn that during the bouts, audiences could be struck by not only wrestlers but also flying salt and sand used in ancient sumo rituals.

“How is it possible that wrestlers may fall or be thrown from the ring into the audience during competitions,” said the warning from the Royal Albert Hall.

It is also important to note that there will be no barriers between wrestlers and spectators in the front rows. Those sitting there will receive cushions instead of traditional seats. However, this area is not recommended for individuals with disabilities, as they will sit there 'entirely at their own risk'.

The Royal Albert Hall will transform into a 'sumo temple', with an authentic dohyo (ring) made of clay and sand, and the roof will be designed in the traditional style of Shinto shrines.

“Every match is an exciting spectacle, combining explosive athletics with ceremonial splendor,” stated in the venue's announcement.

Over the five days of the tournament, wrestlers will compete for the chance to become a great champion or Yokozuna, the highest title in this sport.

Sumo has over 1,500 years of history and is closely tied to Shinto religion.

Wrestlers wear only traditional loincloths and adhere to strict customs, including throwing salt for cleansing the ring.

Organizers recommend that children under the age of eight avoid areas around the ring due to the intensity of the sport and risks involved.

Despite the warnings, the 5,000-seat hall is expected to be filled with fans who see this rare return of sumo to London as a once-in-a-generation event.

The future of sumo in Great Britain

While all eyes are on the tournament, British teenager Nicholas Zilkin, 15, from Hull, is training to become the next great hope in sumo.

This 6-foot teenager has received a scholarship at the prestigious Minato Beya stable in Japan, where he will train full-time with ten other young hopes.

“I got the chances and plan to give it my all,” said Nicholas.

He will also follow a sumo diet, which includes two massive meals a day, totaling 7,000-8,000 calories, and the traditional chanko nabe dish.

Nicholas added: “My father has connections with a sumo wrestler who reached the highest rank in Japan and organizes a tournament every year. I managed to win one year. My opponents were very strong. Since then I realized that sumo is the sport for me.”

Both organizations, the Japan Sumo Association and the Royal Albert Hall, have been invited for further comments.

Wrestlers wear traditional loincloths and throw salt to purify the ring and drive away evil spirits. GETTY The return of sumo to Great Britain promises to be an important event for fans of this unique sport. It is not only a celebration of traditions but also an opportunity for new talents like Nicholas Zilkin to realize their dreams and achieve success on the international stage. All eyes are on London, where fierce bouts will take place in the dohyo in just a few days, filled with drama and emotions.