Ritual, wrestling and Reddit: Grand Sumo meets internet fandom in London

The article discusses the growing popularity of sumo wrestling in the UK, particularly among fans from around the world. The BBC is broadcasting live coverage of the Grand Sumo Tournament at the Royal Albert Hall in London, which has sold out. The tournament features top-ranked sumo wrestlers from Japan and other countries, including Mongolia and Ukraine.

The article highlights the growing diversity of sumo fans in the UK, with people from all over the world attending the tournament and watching it on TV. Fans have praised the sport's unique blend of tradition, ritual, and athleticism, as well as its entertaining matches and charismatic wrestlers.

However, the article also notes that sumo wrestling has faced criticism and controversy in recent years, including scandals related to bullying, match-fixing, and sexism within the sport. The Japanese Sumo Association has taken steps to address these issues, but some fans have expressed concerns about the sport's image and reputation.

Despite these challenges, the tournament in London has been a success, with fans from all over the world attending and watching on TV. The article features interviews with fans who attended the tournament, including Megha Okhai, Caspar Eliot, and Julia and Cesar, who share their experiences and enthusiasm for sumo wrestling.

Overall, the article highlights the growing popularity of sumo wrestling in the UK and around the world, as well as the sport's unique culture and traditions. It also acknowledges the challenges and controversies that have faced the sport, but notes that fans are still drawn to its excitement, athleticism, and entertainment value.

lol what's next? sumo wrestling in the Olympics? would be so weird but at least they're getting more diverse fans, like who knew ukians were into sumo now? think it's awesome that they're showcasing japan's culture and all, but can we talk about how outdated sumo is? i mean those guys are still wrestling with massive egos and tradition rules . don't get me wrong, it's cool to see people from all over watching and loving it, but let's not forget that sumo has some major issues

just saw that the BBC is live streaming the Grand Sumo Tournament at the Royal Albert Hall in London and it's totally sold out ! I'm loving how sumo wrestling is gaining popularity worldwide, especially among international fans . The sport's unique blend of tradition and athleticism is so captivating . But I've also heard about some controversy surrounding bullying, match-fixing, and sexism in the past... hopefully the Japanese Sumo Association's efforts to address these issues are making a positive impact . Can't wait to watch more sumo matches online with my friends !

I'm telling you, this is all a setup for something bigger . The BBC broadcasting live coverage of sumo wrestling in London? That's just a coincidence, right? I mean, what's the real reason they're putting so much emphasis on this sport now? Is it because they want to distract us from the "real" issues while the elite continue to manipulate the global agenda?

And don't even get me started on the diversity of fans attending the tournament. That's just a smokescreen for the true intentions of the powers that be. They're using sumo wrestling as a tool to shape our cultural values and further their own agendas. Wake up, sheeple!

im so stoked that sumo wrestling is getting more recognition in the uk i've been following it for ages and its so cool how its bringing people together from all over the world. i think its awesome that they're broadcasting live coverage on bbc and selling out shows at the royal albert hall. but yeah, the controversies surrounding sumo wrestling are a real bummer its great to see them taking steps to address the issues though, like the japanese sumo association's efforts to tackle bullying and sexism. anyways, cant wait to catch more sumo matches and meet fellow fans

just watched this live sumo tournament on bbc and I'm like wtf is all the fuss about? not gonna lie tho, some of these wrestlers are ridiculously strong lol . think it's cool how diverse the crowd is too - i've seen people from like all over the world cheering on sumo together . know there's been some controversy in the past, but it seems like the japanese sumo association has made some progress in addressing those issues . still not sure if i'd wanna watch a full tournament, but for one day, it was actually pretty entertaining

Sumo's on fire ! Who knew it'd become so popular in the UK? People from all over the world are tuning in to watch these wrestlers go head-to-head . The energy at the Royal Albert Hall must be electric ️! And yay for Megha, Caspar, Julia & Cesar sharing their love for sumo . Can't wait to see more top-ranked wrestlers like Hakuho and Kise competing on live TV ! It's awesome that fans are still excited about the sport despite some controversies . Maybe they're just looking for a healthy dose of competition & athleticism ?

Still surprised to see sumo wrestling gaining traction worldwide . I mean, it's not like it was a hidden gem or anything, but to see the Royal Albert Hall sell out for a tournament is just wild . The fact that fans from all over are flocking to watch it says a lot about how captivating this sport can be . Of course, with great popularity comes great scrutiny, and I'm sure there'll be more discussions about the sport's reputation .

I think it's awesome that sumo wrestling is gaining popularity in the UK . The Royal Albert Hall sold out for the Grand Sumo Tournament? That's crazy! I've been watching sumo matches on TV for years, but seeing the wrestlers up close must be an incredible experience .

It's interesting to see how diverse the fans are - people from all over the world attending and cheering on their favorite wrestlers. I've met some of those international fans online, and it's amazing to hear about their cultural backgrounds and how sumo wrestling has brought them together .

At the same time, I can understand why there have been controversies surrounding the sport. Bulling, match-fixing... that's not cool . But it sounds like the Japanese Sumo Association is taking steps to address these issues, which is great to hear.

Overall, I'm glad to see sumo wrestling getting more mainstream recognition . It's a unique and fascinating sport that offers something for everyone - excitement, athleticism, and culture all mixed together .

sumo wrestling is kinda like the uk's newest thing , but hey who doesn't love a good excuse to get out of the house and pay £50 for a ticket? it's cool that people from all over are into it now, but some things gotta change before we start calling sumo wrestling "sporty" . still, it's nice to see the grand albert hall being used for something other than just posh dinner parties . and those fans who went to the tournament? they must've been having a lot of fun, because they're basically just drinking sake and eating sushi... in london

The grand spectacle of sumo wrestling has landed on British soil , bringing with it a fascinating blend of tradition, ritual, and athleticism. But as we gaze upon the majestic wrestlers striding into the ring, can we not also see the echoes of our own societal struggles? The controversy surrounding bullying, match-fixing, and sexism is a stark reminder that even in the most seemingly exotic of sports, we find ourselves grappling with the same fundamental human concerns.

And yet, amidst this complexity, there lies a profound simplicity: the human desire to connect, to be moved, and to be inspired. The fans who have flocked to the Royal Albert Hall are not just witnessing sumo wrestling; they're experiencing a communal catharsis – a shared sense of wonder and awe that transcends borders and cultures.

As I ponder this phenomenon, I'm reminded of the ancient Greek concept of "poiesis" – the idea that art and sport can serve as a means to tap into our deeper selves. Sumo wrestling, in all its grandeur and complexity, has become an unlikely mirror reflecting our own hopes, fears, and desires.

I'm loving how sumo wrestling is becoming a thing in the UK ! I went with some mates from India last year to watch a match at the ExCeL, and it was mental! The energy in the crowd was electric! I mean, who wouldn't want to see these massive guys grappling on the mat? But seriously, it's awesome that fans from all over the world are coming together to appreciate this unique culture. I've gotta say, though - the whole match-fixing and bullying scandal stuff is a bit of a bummer . Can't wait to catch another tournament in London next year!

I'm loving how popular sumo wrestling is getting in the UK! Who knew it'd be a hit with people from all over? The Royal Albert Hall was totally sold out, that's amazing! It's awesome to see fans from different countries coming together to watch this unique sport. The athletes are so talented and charismatic too! I do hope the Japanese Sumo Association continues to address those issues they've faced in recent years... but it's cool to see the passion of the fans shining through

I think it's awesome that sumo wrestling is gaining popularity in the UK ! The diversity of fans is really cool to see, people from all over the world coming together to watch this ancient sport. It's interesting how some folks are concerned about the controversies within sumo, but for me, the excitement and athleticism of the matches outweighs any issues . The fact that the Royal Albert Hall sold out for a live broadcast is a testament to its growing appeal! Maybe we can expect more international wrestlers in the future? That'd be awesome to see some Mongolian or Ukrainian sumo wrestlers competing against Japanese legends

idk why they're makin' such a big deal about sumo wrestlin in london lol it's just a bunch of guys in loincloths smashin into each other but seriously tho, i think there's somethin strange goin on here... like, have you seen the lineup for this tournament? all these wrestlers from different countries and stuff. that sounds like some kinda secret society or somethin maybe they're usin sumo as a cover for somethin more sinister? idk but i'm keepin an eye on it

Sumo wrestling is defo gaining traction worldwide & it's not just the Japanese community in London getting excited about it . But let's be real, it's been around for ages, I mean we've seen vids of sumo matches on YouTube since 2012 so what's new? Still, I guess it's cool that they're trying to address the bullying & match-fixing issues, those scandals were pretty sketchy . But overall, I think sumo has a great vibe, especially with the ritual & tradition involved – it's like a mix of martial arts & theater . The fact that fans from all over are showing up to watch the tournament is a testament to its growing popularity .

I'm not sure what I'd expect from a bunch of sumo wrestlers being on TV in London ... it's pretty cool that people from all over the world are into it now though! I've seen some videos of these matches online and they're actually really intense - the strength, the strategy... it's like a mix of martial arts and dance. The fact that fans have been drawn to sumo wrestling despite some controversies in the past just goes to show how universal sports can be . It's also interesting to see how different cultures can come together through something as unique as sumo wrestling. Can't wait to watch more matches!

Sumo wrestling is seriously gaining traction in the UK ! I mean, who would've thought we'd see Japanese wrestlers battling it out at the Royal Albert Hall? The diversity of fans is really cool - I've got mates from all over the world coming to watch matches and cheering on their favorite wrestlers . Of course, there are some issues with the sport that need addressing, but it's great to see the efforts being made to clean up its act. Megha, Caspar, Julia & Cesar must be buzzing after getting tickets to the tournament ! Can't wait to see more sumo wrestling events in London - bring on the excitement

Just had a conversation with some mates about sumo wrestling in London ... really surprised by how popular it's getting! I mean, I knew Japan was known for its unique culture and sports, but who would've thought it'd catch on in the UK? The Royal Albert Hall is sold out which is crazy! Fans are loving the excitement and athleticism, but also acknowledging some of the controversies that have come up. Not sure if they'll change the sport, but love how fans are keeping an eye on it

I'm loving how popular sumo wrestling is getting over here! I mean, who wouldn't want to watch these massive guys smash into each other? But seriously, it's awesome to see people from all over the world coming together to enjoy this unique sport. I've been following it for a while now, and I can see why fans are drawn in - there's just something so captivating about the drama and skill involved.

But yeah, the controversies surrounding sumo wrestling are definitely valid concerns . As much as I love watching the matches, it's gotta be tough to ignore the issues of bullying, match-fixing, and sexism within the sport. The Japanese Sumo Association has taken steps in the right direction, though, so fingers crossed that they can continue to address these problems.

Still, for now, I'm all about the excitement and entertainment value ! Who knows? Maybe sumo wrestling will keep on growing in popularity and become an even bigger part of our sports scene. Can't wait to see how it evolves in the future