Dark circle
“Keiko—is the word chosen by many Japanese martial arts to refer to training.”
Our motto is “Always moving forward”
Past—Sumo (相撲 sumō, literally "striking one another") is a form of competitive full-contact wrestling where a rikishi (wrestler) attempts to force his opponent out of a circular ring (dohyō) or into touching the ground with any body part other than the soles of his feet.
Present—The sport originated in Japan, but is a growing sport world wide—with some of the best coming out of Russia, Ukraine, Mongolia, and even Egypt.
Future—We will focus on building solid traditional Sumo spirit, technique and form. We will build upon the 82 techniques of Sumo while also adjusting our style to the growing evolution of International Sumo. Seminars will be held in disciplines such as Judo, and Greco Wrestling. I started this group to search for serious competitors that are looking to learn/grow the sport, compete on a national level, and have fun doing it! がんばれ
INTERNATIONAL SUMO
The International Sumo Federation is the largest international governing body of sport Sumo with over 87 member countries. It was formed in 1992 and is the only Sumo organization recognized by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). The USSF (United States Sumo Federation) is under the IFS, and strives to expand the sport in American. Dark Circle Sumo seeks to produce some of the top athletes for American Sumo as the sport gains in popularity.
Sumo outside Japan?
The IFS stands for International Federation of Sumo.
On December 10, 1992, to mark the establishment of the IFS, we changed the name of the championships once again, this time to the Sumo World Championships. The first Sumo World Championships to be held under the aegis of the IFS was attended by a total of 73 competitors from 25 different countries and territories. Thereafter, the Sumo World Championships have been held annually and the number of participants has continued to increase.
In 1995, Six continental Sumo Federation were set up. Each of these federations now holds its own Continental Sumo Federation Championship. The IFS currently has 88 member countries and territories, all of which are keen to see Sumo recognized as an Olympic event.
USSF (United States Sumo Federation) is one of the counties in the IFS, which our club is proud to be sanction by.
Are Women in sumo?
YES!!! While the Professional level of Sumo excludes Women in Japan, under the IFS there are BOTH genders. The Women’s competition is super tough , especially Teams from Japan, Ukhraine, and Mongolia!
Check out LITTLE MISS SUMO
Are there weight classes?
IFS has 4 weight catagories, so no worries if you think you might be too small for sumo!
MEN
Lightweight—187 lb
Middleweight—220 lb
Light Heavyweight—253 lb
Heavyweight—254+
WOMEN
Lightweight—143 lb
Middleweight—161 lb
Light Heavyweight—176 lb
Heavyweight—176 +
keiko (practice)
—30min warm up, including Shiko, stretching.
—30min strength training, including Suriashi drills, Butsukari drills, etc.
—20min technique "move-of-the-day" aka situationals.
—30min full matches.
—10min clean up and reset out of respect for the dojo.
*if you are late and you did not stretch, expect to do 100 shiko before matches are allowed. Keiko is a privilege of learning, let's treat it as such. Not properly stretching can cause injury which shortens your learning.
What you will need:
— Please bring Mawashi if you own one. I will do my best to have a basic mawashi for you to practice. But if you have a thick canvas that is 18inches wide and a minimum of 18feet long (I am a 34waist light weight, mine is 18'. Heavyweights are probably 24')
— Wear biker shorts...or not if you brought your own mawashi
— Please bring a Towel...this is more for the curtesy of the other person (gross).
— An open mind and an open heart...check the ego at the door. Sumo is any Person's game; big, strong, small, tall. We learn together, we grow together. Everyone has good days, and learning days.
Buy a mawashi (sumo uniform)
Please email to Andrew Freund— director@usasumo.com
He carries the black Mawashi's that are the best quality from Japan.
*please note - the length comes in 20-24ft+ (for reference: I am a light weight (187lb) and my Mawashi length is cut to 18' 3" from the 20' originally ordered)