What would you risk to get a ringside seat at Britain’s first sumo tournament in 34 years?
Well, fans attending a sumo competition in London this week have been warned they could be squashed by the massive sumo wrestlers.
Fighters will clash in a traditional arena – which means no barriers around the ring.
The Grand Sumo Tournament starts on Wednesday, October 15 at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
The venue has issued a safety warning that said: ‘It is possible that wrestlers may fall or be thrown from the ring into the ringside area as part of the competition.’
It added that guests in the front-row seats are there ‘entirely at their own risk’. Organisers advise that children under eight avoid ringside seats.
Despite the danger, fans are expected to fill the 5,000-seat venue.
Across five days more than 40 wrestlers will compete in the sport’s second competition to take place outside its homeland in Japan. The last time was also at the Royal Albert Hall in 1991.
The fighters have arrived in the UK ready for the tournament after recently landing at Heathrow Airport.
Sumo is a traditional sport of full-contact wrestling where competitors try to force their opponent onto the ground or out of the ring, explaining the risk of flying fighters.
In ancient times it was considered a performance to entertain the deities of the Shinto religion.
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Sumo is the national sport of Japan, which is also the only country where it is practised professionally.
Fans have also been warned about potential sand showers as the fighters clash on the authentic soil and sand dohyō (ring). They could also be struck by salt, which is used for the symbolic cleansing of the ring.
The disclaimer added: ‘Food and/or beverages will not be allowed in the ringside. Please be aware that sand or salt may occasionally be thrown from the ring.’
Competitors will be fighting to be crowned the grand champion, or Yokozuna. This is the highest rank possible in the sport.
This tournament promises ‘ancient rituals, extraordinary strength, and rich tradition,’ according to the Royal Albert Hall site.
It added: ‘From the vibrant, hand-embroidered silk kesho-mawashi robes to the ancient salt-throwing rituals, every element is steeped in history and culture.’
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