Observe Sumo Training at a Sumo Stable in Ryogoku, Tokyo – with Expert Commentary and Souvenir

Tour the Sumo Neighborhood of Ryogoku and View Treasures of the Sport

Well-known the world over as a traditional sport of Japan, sumo has a history stretching back over 15 centuries, with some of the oldest historical records in Japan showing its usage as a contest of strength, in disputes over land ownership, and as part of religious harvest and prosperity rituals. Eventually it evolved into a form of formalized training and competition, with the first professional sumo wrestlers appearing in the Edo period (1603-1868). In 1909, the Ryogoku Kokugikan was built as a permanent sumo stadium in Tokyo. The surrounding area – Ryogoku – has since become the mecca of sumo.

A sumo statue that many visitors touch for luck

This experience begins with a tour of sumo-related facilities all around Ryogoku. Deepen your knowledge of the history and traditions of this sport before your stable visit by viewing precious exhibits at museums, and touring the venue where sumo tournaments are held.

A sumo-related museum that every fan of the sport ought to visit at least once in their life

As you walk the Ryogoku area, you are apt to stumble upon alleys lined with training stables and pass wrestlers in the streets. There is no better place to soak up the authentic atmosphere of Japan’s national sport, or dive into its history.

Nakamura Stable, a New Sumo Stable Unfettered by Stifling Traditions

The Nakamura Stable was opened in June 2024 by Masatsugu Nakamura, who reached sekiwake (the third rank in the sport, after yokozuna and ozeki) wrestling under the name Yoshikaze. The stable is conveniently located, under two minutes on foot from both JR Ryogoku Station and the Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena.

Nakamura Stable, a force for change in the traditional world of sumo

Nakamura reached yokozuna as an amateur while still a university student, winning audiences over with his explosive head-on style of wrestling. In his own words, he is someone who can’t leave well enough alone. He has long wanted to train a new generation of powerful wrestlers himself. Retiring from professional sumo at the age of 40, Nakamura trained at the stable of his mentor, former ozeki Kotokaze Koichi, alongside former yokozuna Kisenosato (now Nishonoseki), eventually making that dream a reality.

Nakamura, who draws on his sumo experience to train new wrestlers, was known during his wrestling heyday for an explosive style

Nakamura says sumo has given him the greatest happiness in his life. “If I got to live it all over again, I’d be a sumo wrestler every time.” While respecting the traditions of the sport, he has nurtured a modern and highly flexible method of training. As you observe practice, look at the passion of the wrestlers training under his guidance. “I want these wrestlers to live a life that they can be proud of through sumo, and to be glad they worked so hard here.”

Traditional Moves and Methods in Sumo Training

A bit about sumo. This is a one-on-one competitive sport in which there are two ways to defeat an opponent – either by forcing them to put a foot out of the ring, or by causing any part of their body other than the soles of their feet to touch the ground. Despite a simple ruleset, the world of sumo is deep and rich in lore, demanding as it does a powerful body and masterful technique just as much as an indomitable spirit and mental fortitude.

Wrestlers collide with meteoric force within a circle approximately 4.55 meters in diameter

Typical sumo includes such moves as shiko and suriashi. Shiko is probably the most famous visual of the sport, where the legs are planted wide and lifted one at a time before being slammed back down to the ground – both requiring and promoting terrific lower body strength. It is said to have been performed as a spring ritual to pacify malevolent spirits in the earth and awaken a bountiful harvest in ages past. Suriashi involves shuffling the feet forward rapidly while thrusting in a crouched posture. 

A sumo wrestler performing suriashi

The most important form of training is called “butsukari geiko,” a form of sparring with an attacker and a defender. This is much like a real match, and just as exciting to watch. Your dedicated guide and interpreter will be by your side to explain each of these and other moves, and their purposes.

Observe Nakamura Stable’s Innovative Training Methods

Visitors very familiar with sumo may find themselves surprised when the Nakamura Stable training begins. Typical sumo training begins with lower-ranked wrestlers (makushita rank and below) dressed in black mawashi belts, with higher ranking sekitori wrestlers in white joining in only later. But according to Nakamura’s philosophy that “standing at the top should be a position of respect,” here all wrestlers gather together and begin practicing together, regardless of rank and affiliation.

Professionals and apprentices train together from the start

The most important form of training is called “butsukari geiko,” a form of sparring with an attacker and a defender. This is much like a real match, and just as exciting to watch.

An awe-inspiring display of power right before your eyes

Suriashi shuffling steps performed while carrying dumbbells, non-collision practice where a wrestler tries to push out a defender, and other innovative methods make up Nakamura’s unique training regimen, with a priority on effectively building up strength. To make the most of the limited training time, stablemaster Nakamura also provides detailed feedback and advice tailored to each wrestler.

It is hard training that gives victory in competition – and in life – its value

“The key to it is putting your whole self into it, pushing like this is the last moment of your entire career in sumo,” says Nakamura of his approach. His wrestlers take this advice to heart, spending their strength completely in devotion to training. Their earnest and down-to-earth approachability is inspiring to witness, as something kept hidden from the public during real competitions at tournaments.

Commemorative Photos with the Wrestlers, and Souvenirs

When the training experience is over, take commemorative photos with the wrestlers. Even after their exhausting training, they are full of charming smiles and all happy to take photos with fans. Receive also a special souvenir such as an original towel or calendar.

A souvenir sample – specific souvenirs vary depending on the season

In recent times, top tier sumo wrestlers have emerged from a variety of different nationalities. This makes it no exaggeration to say that sumo has become a world-class sport. Enjoy sumo’s perennial traditional charm alongside the innovative approach of Nakamura stable, and dive deep into the world of sumo.