Authentic Sumo Training Experience in Tokyo with a Champion Coach
Authentic Sumo Training Experience in Tokyo with a Champion Coach
Authentic Sumo Training Experience in Tokyo with a Champion Coach
Highlights
- Train in a real clay dohyo (sumo ring), not on mats or a stage
- Learn from Takeshi Amitani, a 5-time Japanese national champion and 2-time US Sumo Open champion
- Practice authentic sumo keiko including shiko, koshiwari, suriashi, teppo, and butsukari
- Spar with your group and, if you dare, challenge the coach in a real bout
- Mawashi belt, T-shirt, and track pants available to borrow, so you can come empty-handed
- Coaching in both Japanese and English, with beginners and tattoos welcome
Your Guide
Takeshi Amitani
About Your Guide
Takeshi Amitani is a five-time Japanese national sumo champion and two-time US Sumo Open champion. He began sumo at the age of nine and trained at Tottori Johoku High School and Nihon University alongside professional wrestlers such as Terunofuji, Ichinojo, Endo, and Tobizaru.
After moving to Los Angeles, he won the US Sumo Open title twice, coached more than 300 students, and served as the official coach for the United States national sumo team in 2018 and 2019. He returned to Japan in 2020 and continues to compete, while also working as a sumo choreographer for Netflix's "Sanctuary" and Disney+'s "Sumo Do, Sumo Don't!" Since 2020, he has taught authentic sumo to people from around the world in Tokyo.
Step onto a real clay dohyo (sumo ring) and train like a true rikishi in this authentic sumo experience in Tokyo. Sumo is Japan's national sport and a traditional martial art with a history spanning over 1,000 years. In this session, you will learn its essence directly from Takeshi Amitani, a five-time Japanese national champion and two-time US Sumo Open champion.
After wrapping a real mawashi (sumo belt), you will warm up and practice the core exercises of sumo keiko: shiko (leg stomping), koshiwari (deep squats), suriashi (sliding footwork), teppo (thrusting drills), and butsukari (charging practice). Once you have the basics down, step into the ring to spar with your friends, and if you are brave enough, challenge the coach himself.
Coaching is provided in both Japanese and English, and no experience is required. Mawashi belts, T-shirts, and track pants are available to borrow, so you can come empty-handed. Whether you are a martial arts enthusiast or simply curious about sumo, this is a rare chance to experience the heart of Japan's ancient sport firsthand.
Schedule
Meeting Point
Heiwanomori Park Sumo Arena (2-1 Heiwanomorikoen, Ota City, Tokyo), about a 10-minute walk from Heiwajima Station on the Keikyu Main Line. Exact details will be provided after booking confirmation.
The operator will provide the exact meeting point after booking
Who Is This Perfect For?
Feel the real techniques and power of Japan's national sport up close
A memorable way to experience Japan, different from temples, shrines, or food tours
Work up a sweat together in a real ring and create unforgettable memories
Being coached by a champion in a real clay dohyo is something you can only do here
Important Information
Languages
The experience is conducted in Japanese and English. If you would like to take part in another language, a separate interpreter arrangement is required, so please contact us in advance.
Maximum Participants
Up to 5 participants per session. For larger groups, please contact us in advance to discuss arrangements.
What to Bring
Please bring a towel and drinking water. Mawashi belts, T-shirts, and track pants are available to borrow if you do not have your own athletic wear.
Dress Code
You do not need to be undressed. The mawashi is worn over a T-shirt and track pants, and you may wear compression or bike shorts underneath if you prefer.
Tattoos Welcome
Unlike professional sumo tournaments, tattoos are permitted at this training experience.
Facilities
Coin-operated shower facilities are available nearby within the park (paid). Food and drinks are not included.
Your Guide
Takeshi Amitani
About Your Guide
Takeshi Amitani is a five-time Japanese national sumo champion and two-time US Sumo Open champion. He began sumo at the age of nine and trained at Tottori Johoku High School and Nihon University alongside professional wrestlers such as Terunofuji, Ichinojo, Endo, and Tobizaru.
After moving to Los Angeles, he won the US Sumo Open title twice, coached more than 300 students, and served as the official coach for the United States national sumo team in 2018 and 2019. He returned to Japan in 2020 and continues to compete, while also working as a sumo choreographer for Netflix's "Sanctuary" and Disney+'s "Sumo Do, Sumo Don't!" Since 2020, he has taught authentic sumo to people from around the world in Tokyo.
Contact us for booking details
Cancellation fees are charged based on how far in advance you cancel: • 15 days or more before the experience: no charge (full refund) • 10 days before: 30% of the total amount • 7 days before: 50% of the total amount • 3 days before: 70% of the total amount • 1 day before: 100% of the total amount • Day of the experience or no-show: 100% of the total amount Cut-off times are based on the experience's local time.
