Pupils enjoy unforgettable Sumo experience at the Royal Albert Hall

After lunch on the steps of the Albert Memorial and a play in Kensington Gardens, the children headed into the iconic venue for the main event. The presentation was led by Hiro Morito, host of Japan Sumo’s YouTube channel, and former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq.

Pupils learned about the lives of Japan’s top rikishi (Sumo wrestlers), their training routines and the discipline behind the sport. They were also introduced to other key figures in the Sumo world, including the gyoji (judges) and yobidashi (ring attendants), and watched the ceremonial rituals that make Sumo so unique.

The highlight of the day came when the children watched live wrestling bouts. a thrilling end to a memorable experience that brought Japanese tradition to life in spectacular fashion.

“The warm-ups were amazing! The wrestlers are so flexible they can even do the splits!” one pupil exclaimed.

Another said: “I enjoyed the tension between the sumo wrestlers with all the shouting and how they stomped their feet, which they do to drive away evil spirits which are in the ground.”

A final pupil noted: “I thought it was great how they threw salt into the ring at the start of a bout to purify it.”