The Path of Strength, Balance, and Agility

Sumo is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, evolving over more than two thousand years from ritual and tradition into Japan’s national sport. What began as a dance for a good harvest has transformed into an art that embodies respect, focus, and resilience. Guided by Shin-Gi-Tai—Spirit, Technique, and Body—sumo offers an immersive path of growth that reaches beyond the physical.

What You’ll Experience in Our Sumo Classes

Our classes follow a communal learning approach, where both beginners and experienced sumotori learn from each other. Kurowashi Sumo Collective also hosts occasional workshops with guest instructors, including retired rikishi, recent U.S. tournament medalists, and leaders in U.S. Amazumo.

Curious About Sumo?

If you’d like to learn more, we invite you to observe a class and experience sumo firsthand.

When: Friday @ 7:30pm & Saturday @ 4:30pm
Full Dojo Schedule
Contact: Matt Jim – kurowashisumo@gmail.com

About Sumo’s Ancient Origins

Sumo’s history reaches back to ancient Japan, with roots as a sacred Shinto ritual dance performed for a good harvest. The earliest written records, dating to the 8th century, tell of sumo as a divine battle over the Japanese islands, with the thunder god Takemikazuchi emerging as victor. This divine origin is reflected in sumo’s focus on strength and spiritual resilience.

Throughout its 2,000-year history, sumo has transformed—serving as entertainment, combat training for samurai, and even as an underground practice during times of suppression. During the Edo period, sumo matches became associated with Shinto shrines and developed familiar elements such as the gyōji (referee) and mawashi (loincloth).

Pro and Amateur Sumo

In Japan, sumo developed into two main branches:

Ōzumō (Grand Sumo) is Japan’s professional branch, deeply ritualistic and requiring total dedication. Professional wrestlers, or rikishi, live and train in sumo stables under strict tradition and discipline, carrying forward sumo’s ancient customs.

Amazumo (Amateur Sumo) offers an accessible path to sumo and has grown internationally over recent decades. Amazumo includes weight classes and has flourished through the International Sumo Federation, which holds tournaments worldwide, including here in the U.S. Kurowashi Sumo Collective brings this inclusive spirit of sumo to Denton, where anyone, regardless of background or skill level, can join in learning this remarkable art.

Benefits of Practicing Sumo

Engaging in sumo training provides numerous physical and mental benefits:

• Strength: Build muscle, particularly in the lower body, while increasing mental fortitude.
• Agility: Enhance flexibility and speed to improve performance both in and out of the dohyō (sumo ring).
• Balance: Develop a grounded approach to maintain stability and resilience.

Many people find that their overall health improves after they start practicing sumo, leading to a balanced spirit as well.

Learn More About Sumo at The Dojo

We welcome anyone interested in exploring sumo. Please reach out to us for any questions, or come visit us during a class to see what sumo has to offer @ kurowashisumo@gmail.com. We are available for special events.