Sumo Training in Tokyo Review: Join In the Super-Sized Fun

Have you ever wanted to get involved in sumo training in Tokyo? Instead of just watching from afar, I’ve challenged these wrestlers for myself all in good fun at a lesser-known location in Japan’s capital – and you can, too!

Japan’s prestigious sumo tournaments are known the world over, however they are only held three times per year in Tokyo. The likelihood of this event coinciding with most tourist itineraries is low, and is it really worth it if we don’t know the rules or what is going on?

To help us gain a better understanding of sumo culture in Japan, we can participate in an exclusive sumo experience at a former sumo stable. It’s so much fun to meet the wrestlers, learn about the origins of the sport, practice sumo wrestling moves and techniques, and even ask them questions.

And if all that isn’t cool enough, to conclude the experience we can feast on a nutrient-rich lunch beloved by sumo and take plenty of photos — which is forbidden elsewhere.

If you’re looking for a Tokyo sumo experience for families, singles, and couples reviewed by someone who has actually participated, read on!

Meeting at Kawasaki

Our small group first met up at Shin-Kawasaki Station. It was easy to find our guides Shiina-san and Tossy-san as there is only one exit. To reach the sumo house we were transported by a private van which was waiting for us.

Introductory sumo presentation

When we first arrived at the sumo house, we walked across the sandy sumo ring and were seated beside it. An overhead projector streamed a previous sumo tournament to help give us an idea of what to expect.

Whilst we waited for our sumo wrestlers to join, Tossy-san shared some facts with us:

• How many sumo stables there are across Japan
• Who sumo wrestlers live with (the answer is similar to maiko and geisha in Kyoto)
• Height and weight requirements for budding sumo
• Explanation of how sumo are ranked
• How many sumo there are globally and divisions
• Sumo hairstyles: Their origins and how they differ between active and retired wrestlers
• The sumo daily schedule, including the times they wake up, eat, clean, have free time and sleep
• The origins of sumo: When and how long ago did it start, and by whom? And why? The answers may surprise you!

After a short time, our two sumo wrestlers entered the ring. It was my first encounter with sumo, and I felt the collective excitement in the room elevate in anticipation.

Dressing for our sumo practice

Unlike our new sumo friends, we can wear clothing in the ring in the form of a souvenir T-shirt and supplied shorts. It’s a good idea to wear these if you’re wanting to participate as your clothes may get dirty.

TIP: It’s bare feet in the ring! But don’t worry, you’ll be able to wash off any dirt afterwards.

After we dressed in our shirts and shorts, we learnt how to put on a miwashi 廻し: A cotton belt wrapped around our waist many times, tucked between our legs and tied tightly at the back.

I can still hear Nishiki-san saying “Turn, turn, turn!” as I dizzily spun around whilst he helped me secure mine on!

Sumo wresting demonstration

Nishiki-san and Tsubomi-san took to the ring to demonstrate a few moves that appeared to be pretty simple… Well, so I thought… Here are just a few:

• Shiko しこ: Lifting one leg up high to the side, holding it, letting down (try not to fall over!)
• Sura-ashi すりあし: Sliding feet across the ring with bent knees and elbows tucked in
• Koshi-wari 腰割り: Slow, wide-leg squats.

Then it was our turn to try. After having done these myself as a petite 5’2” woman, I can confirm the sumo make their moves look effortless!

Using the moves we just learnt, Nishiki-san and Tsubomi-san wrestled. The amount of combined energy that fuels each short wrestling session truly blew my mind. Perhaps it is enough to power a small town for a day?! No wonder they get sweaty.

Shiina-san was very helpful in translating their explanations and answers to our questions.

Our turn wrestling the sumo

Equipped with our newfound knowledge on sumo wrestling techniques, it was our turn to have a go at pushing Nishiki-san and Tsubomi-san out of the ring.

Each of us who wanted to participate had a 1:1 with either Nishiki-san and Tsubomi-san. Our light-hearted sumo made this part very comical, pretty much standing solidly waving and smiling for the cameras whilst us mere mortals barely budged them. 

When it was my turn, Nishiki-san’s jolly face caused me to crack up laughing at the situation. I mean, I was about to wrestle an ACTUAL SUMO in Tokyo – it’s crazy where life can take us sometimes, right?!

Springing up from a squat and slapping my forehead against his chest, it was like charging at a friendly brick wall. After exerting much of my energy barely moving, it took one last mighty heave from me for him to jokingly fall back against the wall, sliding down to the floor. Everyone roared with laughter.

There were some young children in the group that teamed up to take on Nishiki-san 2:1, which was so cute and hilarious!

NOTE: For the privacy of other guests on the tour I haven’t included them, but you can get an idea.

The sumo diet: Eating a delicious lunch

Of course by lunchtime we’d all worked up a sumo-sized appetite. After washing our feet, it was time to dine with Nishiki-san and Tsubomi-san. 

Lunch consisted of rice and a steaming giant hotpot called chanko-nabe ちゃんこ鍋. Nicknamed Sumo Stew, chanko nabe is a chicken-based broth dish with its main ingredients including chicken dumplings, cabbage, and mushrooms. It was an extremely tasty and fulfilling meal.

Creating a sumo handprint souvenir

As our last activity during this Tokyo sumo training experience, each of us were able to stamp our handprint beside Tsubomi-san’s in ink on a board. What a great souvenir from Japan to hang on your wall as a conversation-starter!

Final thoughts on the Tokyo sumo training tour & tips

Overall, I did not expect this Tokyo sumo experience to be as hilarious as it was, it was the most fun I’ve had in quite a long time. I loved that the humour was combined with the more serious things such as history and training in a casual setting.

Learning the moves and trying them ourselves gave me a super-sized appreciation for the physical and mental discipline sumo endure day-to-day. This wouldn’t be as easy to understand if we didn’t actively participate. 

The children in our group said this sumo experience was the highlight of their trip to Japan, which was so sweet!

I have noticed other sumo experiences in Tokyo where guests wear an inflatable sumo suit for a laugh when wrestling. But I feel as though MagicalTrip’s experience allows us to have complete, unrestricted movement of our bodies to wrestle sumo to our full potential. Here are my tips for things to remember:

• Duration: The experience lasts for 4 hours, including lunch.
• Take it from me: Don’t be surprised if you’re a bit sore for a few days afterwards!
• What to wear: Wear shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty. While a souvenir T-shirt and black shorts are supplied, there’s no doubt you’ll get sweaty battling the sumo.
• Jewellery: Take off your watches and jewellery before participating. Jewellery could become damaged during some of the training moves, or injure the sumo.

Sending another huge thanks to MagicalTrip for having me on this fantastic tour. Unlike other sumo morning practice experiences, I loved that we could interact with these beloved Japanese icons and learn how to become one for a day!

I still surprise myself that I can say I wrested an actual sumo in Tokyo, and that I now have a sumo-sized appreciation for their lifestyle!

When I eventually attend the Tokyo sumo tournament in future, now I know the rules, amount of training, mental discipline and what is involved for a more fulfilling experience — and it will be the same for you.

While you’re here, take a look at more of my Tokyo travel guides, reviews and itineraries to help plan your trip.

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• Take a look at all my Japan travel tips and Japanese etiquette for mistakes to avoid 
• See all my Tokyo travel guides & itineraries here
• For all my itineraries & travel guides throughout the country from over a decade of visiting, check my extensive Japan travel blog!

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Until next time,

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