Work With Us
We've hosted a number of private workshops and demonstrations in Greater Vancouver.
If you’re interested in bringing our brand of sumo to your event or organization, keep scrolling to learn about what we offer and if we’re the right fit for you.
Please note, private events and demonstrations are subject to the availability of instructors and volunteers. For inquiries, please email sumosundays [at] gmail [dot] com.
What We Offer
Learn more about our private workshops and demonstrations.
workshops
- 2.5 hours of introductory sumo that includes warm-ups, basic techniques and optional sparring (with potential to be adapted to a shorter time length)
- Access to equipment (i.e. mawashi and dohyo)
- Request for instructors that fit the needs of your group (i.e. queer-friendly)
- Adaptable to any age, experience and ability of participants
demonstrations
Demonstrations can vary depending on time length and preferred content. Examples of what can be incorporated:
- Live matches
- Overview of rules
- Mawashi-tying
- Techniques
- Shiko
We pride ourselves on our ability to make spaces feel inclusive and accessible. With our roster of diverse instructors, we bring in a wealth of knowledge and experience. Not just from a sumo perspective, but from perspectives that lean on our lived experiences as Japanese Canadian, gender diverse, queer, and more.
Please note, while we combine aspects of Japanese and sumo tradition, we approach all of our events through a specific lens. For example, we operate under our clothing on policy and we will refrain from appropriating cultural elements. Our instructors and volunteers also represent a spectrum of size, background and gender.
Private workshops and demonstrations are limited, and are based on the availability of instructors, volunteers and space. Our work is based at the Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall (487 Alexander St, Vancouver), but workshops can be held in other martial arts spaces (min. 25-30 ft²) that have grappling mats.
If you have an alternative space that meets the above requirements, please let us know. Indoor demonstrations also require grappling mats; outdoor demonstrations can be done on grass or sand.
All fees include:
- Time
- Travel/transportation
- Equipment
If you are interested in a private workshop or a demonstration, please email kayla [at] sumosundays [dot] ca.
Past Events & Workshops
St. George School (Gr. 10)
Dec. 4, 2025 | Vancouver Japanese Language School & Hall
Introductory sumo workshop for two groups of students, in tandem with a walking a tour of the neighbourhood hosted by VJLS.
St. George School (Gr. 10)
Dec. 1, 2025 | Vancouver Japanese Language School & Hall
Introductory sumo workshop for two groups of students, in tandem with a walking a tour of the neighbourhood hosted by VJLS.
Heya Vancouver
Oct. 19, 2025 | Vancouver Japanese Language School & Hall
Introductory sumo workshop for Japanese Canadians in Vancouver.
Powell Street Festival
Aug. 3, 2025 | Oppenheimer Park
Annual amateur sumo exhibition at Powell Street Festival.
Powell Street Festival
Aug. 2, 2025 | Vancouver Japanese Language School & Hall
Introductory sumo workshop for attendees of the annual Powell Street Festival.
Environmental Youth Alliance
July 17, 2025 | Vancouver Japanese Language School & Hall
Private workshop for staff of the Environmental Youth Alliance.
Heya Vancouver
Oct. 16, 2025 | 312 Main
Film screening and panel for Heya, an event series organized by Sumo Sundays.
Heya Toronto
Sept. 21, 2025 | Tanuki Martial Arts
Introductory sumo workshop for Japanese Canadians in Toronto.
Heya Toronto
Sept. 20, 2025 | Cecil Community Centre
Film screening and panel for Heya, an event series organized by Sumo Sundays.
Bachelorette Party
July 12, 2025 | Vancouver Japanese Language School & Hall
Introductory sumo workshop for a bachelorette party.
Basho
May 19, 2025 | Vancouver Japanese Language School & Hall
Amateur sumo exhibition hosted by Sumo Sundays.
Okaeri: Returning to Our Roots
Aug. 10, 2024 | Memorial Peace Park
Outdoor demonstration during the inaugural Maple Ridge Bon Odori event.
Powell Street Festival
Aug. 4, 2024 | Oppenheimer Park
Annual amateur sumo tournament and exhibition organized at Powell Street Festival. Organized in partnership with the festival.
Powell Street Festival
Aug. 3, 2024 | Vancouver Japanese Language School & Hall
A beginner’s workshop to prepare potential participants for the annual sumo tournament and exhibition at Powell Street Festival. Organized by the festival.
Powell Street Festival (Ages 2-14)
July 13, 2024 | Vancouver Japanese Language School & Hall
A workshop for children and teens offered annually by the Powell Street Festival Society.
Basho
June 9, 2024 | Templeton Secondary School
Inaugural sumo exhibition hosted by Sumo Sundays and the Powell Street Festival Society.
Culture Club (Ages 13-15)
Aug. 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023 | Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
Offered as one of four cultural activities during a four-week summer camp organized by NNMCC.
Powell Street Festival
Aug. 6, 2023 | Oppenheimer Park
Annual amateur sumo tournament and exhibition organized at Powell Street Festival. Organized in partnership with the festival.
Manga Camp (Ages 9-12)
July 28, 2023 | Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
Offered as a workshop during summer camp for kids organized by NNMCC.
Powell Street Festival (Ages 2-14)
July 16, 2023 | Vancouver Japanese Language School & Hall
A workshop for children and teens offered annually by the Powell Street Festival Society.
Powell Street Festival
June 4, 2023 | Vancouver Japanese Language School & Hall
A beginner’s workshop to prepare potential participants for the annual sumo tournament and exhibition at Powell Street Festival. Organized by the festival.