Upcoming Dates & Registration
Our drop-ins aim to build confidence and safety around sumo wrestling. Every session incorporates stretches, techniques based on each participant’s skill level and an opportunity to spar.
Sundays — weekly
1:30-3 pm, $115/month* | Kensington Judo (187 East 11th Ave, Vancouver)
*These classes take place at Kensington Judo. If price is a barrier, please contact Kensington Judo. A free trial is available for two classes.
Skills & Technique
With Kyle Cox
March 29, 2026
3-5 pm, $18-25 | VJLS (487 Alexander St, Vancouver)
Fundamentals
With Mielle Michaux & Satoshi Schulte
Drop-Ins
Fundamentals (2.5 hours)
Good for beginners and casual/chill learners!
Build confidence and basic knowledge of sumo wrestling in this drop-in. Every session incorporates stretches, techniques based on each participant’s skill level and an opportunity to spar.
Monthly, longer sessions offer an in-depth approach to sumo with time for a group warm-up, a review of safety techniques, skill-building, mawashi-tying and the opportunity to spar on the full dohyo.
This session is good for:
- People trying sumo for the first time
- People with minimal experience in martial arts and/or other physical activities
- Casual and regular attendees of Sumo Sundays looking for a chilled experience focusing on basics and refreshers on safety rolls, techniques, use of equipment etc.
We encourage folks of all sizes and genders to participate.
Fees
$15-25 sliding scale, unless otherwise indicated. If Eventbrite fees are a barrier, please email sumosundays [at] gmail [dot] com to arrange payment via e-transfer.
All sessions take place at the Vancouver Japanese Language School & Hall (487 Alexander St).
Drop-Ins
Skills & Technique (1.5 hours)
Level up your sumo skills in this drop-in for learners looking to build on technique!
Accessible to anyone with even a little sumo or martial arts experience, the approach to this drop-in is simple: No rigid system—just smart, individualized training that fits your body, mindset, and style. Led by one of our more experienced instructors, Kyle is all in on the Sumo Sundays ethos: Sumo for all body types and backgrounds. Expect structured technique, optional hard rounds, and practical tips for everyone’s personal sumo goals.
This session is good for:
- Casual or regular Sumo Sundays attendees who want to build on existing knowledge/skills/techniques
- People with minimal experience in martial arts and/or other physical activities who feel comfortable jumping into this session
We encourage folks of all sizes and genders to participate.
Fees
Free trial (two sessions/year) or $115/one month, $205/two months, $510/six months. These classes take place at Kensington Judo. If price is a barrier, please contact Kensington Judo (kensingtonjudo@gmail.com or 778-870-1772).
All sessions take place at Kensington Judo (187 East 11th Ave).
Drop-Ins
Conditioning & Open Mat (1.5 hours)
Build on existing skills and knowledge in this semi-structured drop-in.
To support our experienced learners, Sumo Sundays is excited to offer one-off drop-ins that combine conditioning exercises with skill-building and sparring in an open mat format. How this works:
- In the first part of this session, participants will follow a guided warm-up that includes shiko and suriashi games that challenge stamina, strength and cardio
- In the second part of the session, participants develop skills by working with other attendees; we recommend bringing questions, ideas and techniques you want to workshop (no formal lesson/instruction provided)
Battle rope and gi belts/mawashi are available for use. Sparring is welcome at the end of the session.
This session is good for:
- Casual or regular attendees of all sizes and genders who want to build on existing sparring skills and techniques for sumo
Experience required. Due to the open skills/sparring portion of these sessions, we ask that all participants attend with some sumo experience (i.e. attended a Sumo Sundays class or Tigers practice, participated in the basho/PSF tournament etc).
Fees
$10 drop-in. Due to the open mat portion of this session, minimal sumo experience is required. For questions, email sumosundays [at] gmail [dot] com.
All sessions take place at the Vancouver Japanese Language School & Hall (487 Alexander St).
FAQ
In case you have questions, we have answers.
Unless mentioned in the description, our drop-ins and workshops are beginner-friendly. No martial arts or previous athletic experience is required. Our instructors are always prepared to break down the basics to everyone, and welcome modifications and breaks based on the needs of the participant.
Our general recommendation is having some ability to squat, but we will never push you past your comfort zone.
We recommend tight-fitting shorts or leggings for wearing under the mawashi (provided), but loose-fitting bottoms are welcome if those are more comfortable. Clothing is not optional at Sumo Sundays, so bring a comfortable shirt to wear, or rash guard if preferred.
A water bottle is a must (can be refilled on-site). Snacks, mouthguard and your personal mawashi are optional.
Our classes are geared towards adults, unless otherwise indicated (i.e. a children’s workshop). Older teens are welcome if they feel comfortable participating with adults. Children are welcome to accompany their parents if child care is unavailable.