Sumo Jun 1, 2022
Ukrainian amateur sumo wrestlers to train in Japan before World Games
The wrestlers will train in western Japan's Oita and Ehime prefectures in June before flying to the event, which is centered around non-Olympic sports.
Sumo Apr 20, 2022
Sumo's doors open for college stars but closing for foreign hopefuls
by John Gunning
University sumo clubs regularly churn out talent capable of reaching the paid ranks, but fewer foreigners are entering the sport outside of powerhouse Mongolia.
Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Apr 13, 2022
Prestigious University of Tokyo may claim its first sumo wrestler
by John Gunning
Hotaka Suyama could become the school's first graduate to enter the world of ōzumo when he takes the Japan Sumo Association's entrance exam.
Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Mar 2, 2022
Meet sumo's globe-trotting ambassador
by John Gunning
Watts has been a prominent figure in sumo for over 30 years and since the 1990s has been a mainstay at World Championships, where she undertakes numerous roles.
Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Jan 26, 2022
Mitakeumi primed to shed ‘inconsistent’ image with historic ozeki promotion
by John Gunning
Rather than solely benefiting from good timing and a weakened top division, Mitakeumi is arguably just now fulfilling the potential he has always had.
Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Jan 19, 2022
U.S. sumo fans get opportunity to see Japan's rising stars
by John Gunning
Often considered de-facto world championship due to their high level of competition, the World Games give young talents a chance to shine ahead of their pro careers.
Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Nov 24, 2021
Terunofuji's challengers likely to emerge from amateur ranks
by John Gunning
As the lone yokozuna attempts to wrap up his sixth Emperor's Cup in Fukuoka, this weekend's amateur championships may feature some of his potential successors.
Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Oct 6, 2021
Early American sumo trailblazer earned rare honor at Miyagino stable
by John Gunning
In the summer of 1976, high-school teacher John Jacques traveled to Japan in order to learn what he could and promote the sport's development in Hawaii.
Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Sep 8, 2021
Tsukedashi shortcut helps amateur standouts climb pro sumo ranks
by John Gunning
The system rewards strong performances in top amateur tournaments, allowing wrestlers to get a head start on the salaried rank of sekitori.
Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Feb 24, 2021
'Air sumo' tournament offers hope for amateur sport's future
by John Gunning
A unique online competition, established due to the inability to hold amateur meets in person due to the pandemic, is aiming to cast a rare spotlight on form and technique.
Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Dec 9, 2020
NSSU freshman Hidetora Hanada emerges to claim amateur yokozuna title
by John Gunning
The Nippon Sports Science University student overcame a talent-studded field at Sunday's All Japan Sumo Championships, the country's top amateur sumo tournament.