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PRIVÉ-SUMOTRAINING · TOKIO EN OSAKA
Stap de ring in.
Ga naar huis met een verhaal.
Ontdek de rituelen, bewegingen en geest van sumo tijdens uw eigen privésessie. Leer van ervaren instructeurs in Tokio of Osaka, in een tempo dat bij uw groep past.
Plan uw privé-ervaringOntdek de ervaringExclusief voor uw groepEngelstalige ondersteuningBeginners en gezinnen welkom
OUR TRACK RECORD
Welcoming sumo guests from around the world.
Countries and Regions
We have welcomed guests from more than 34 countries and regions.
Explore our guests’ home countries and regions
These include:
- United States
- Canada
- France
- United Kingdom
- Mexico
- Australia
- Germany
- Japan
- India
- Brazil
- Taiwan
- Italy
- New Zealand
- Poland
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Spain
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Czech Republic
- Dominican Republic
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Lithuania
- Nepal
- Norway
- Réunion
- Romania
- Russia
- Switzerland
- Turkey
De ervaring
Uw gezelschap. Uw tempo. Uw privésessie.
Plan een gezinsuitje, een discrete ervaring voor privéklanten, een activiteit voor een reisbureaugezelschap of gerichte training voor een sumoteam. Vertel ons uw doelen, dan bespreken we de juiste opzet. Specifieke instructeurs en bijzondere arrangementen zijn afhankelijk van beschikbaarheid.
Ongeveer 90 minuten van voorbereiding tot afronding: trek een mawashi aan, leer de etiquette en regels, oefen shiko, koshiwari en suriashi, probeer geschikte oefeningen en een begeleide wedstrijd en sluit af met foto's. Deelname en intensiteit worden afgestemd op uw groep.
Ontdek de ervaringGewenste stad
Twee steden. Eén onvergetelijke ervaring.
Kies Tokio of Osaka. De locatie, instructeur en het programma worden vóór het boeken afzonderlijk bevestigd.
01 / TOKYO
東京
Tokio
Train in een echte overdekte sumoring in het Heiwanomori Park in Ota, Tokio. Kleine privégroepen leren de basis, proberen een begeleide wedstrijd en maken samen foto's. Grotere groepen kunnen een locatie met matten aanvragen.
Ontdek Tokio
02 / OSAKA
大阪
Osaka
Ontdek een traditionele trainingsruimte in het centrum van Osaka, in het voormalige trainingsverblijf in Osaka van de Miyagino-stal. De treinreis vanuit Namba duurt acht minuten; reken extra tijd voor de wandeling naar het ontmoetingspunt.
Ontdek OsakaYOUR TIME IN THE DOHYO
From the first bow to the final photograph.
A private introduction to the movements, rituals and people of sumo.
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The mawashi
Get ready with help from your instructor.
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Warm up
Ease into the session at your own pace.
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Discover the rules
Discover the traditions behind the sport.
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Practise keiko
Explore sumo’s foundational movements.
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Enter the ring
Try a bout guided by your instructor.
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Keep the memory
Take photographs with the wrestlers.
Approximately 90 minutes, including preparation and photos. Activities are adapted to your group; contact practice and bouts are at the instructor’s discretion.
De ervaring
Een beetje traditie. Veel om zelf te doen.
Ongeveer 90 minuten van voorbereiding tot afronding: trek een mawashi aan, leer de etiquette en regels, oefen shiko, koshiwari en suriashi, probeer geschikte oefeningen en een begeleide wedstrijd en sluit af met foto's. Deelname en intensiteit worden afgestemd op uw groep.
YOUR PRIVATE SUMO EXPERIENCE
The programme, step by step
From putting on a mawashi to stepping into the ring: discover the movements, rules and rituals of sumo with your instructors. No previous sumo experience is needed.
Allow around 90 minutes, including preparation and photographs.
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Put on a mawashi
Your instructor helps you put on the traditional sumo belt and prepares you for the experience.
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Warm up together
Begin with stretches and preparatory movements. Follow the instructor’s demonstrations at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
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Understand the rules
Learn the essentials of sumo’s history, how a bout is won, and the etiquette of the dohyo, the sumo ring.
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Practise the fundamentals — keiko
Try the traditional movements that underpin sumo training. Your instructor explains and demonstrates each exercise.
- Shiko
- Lift and lower each leg, practising balance and the characteristic sumo leg stamp.
- Koshiwari
- Lower your hips into a wide sumo stance and practise controlling your posture.
- Suriashi
- Practise sliding footwork, keeping your feet close to the ground as you move.
- Teppo
- Learn the forward pushing movement and how the arms and feet work together.
- Butsukari-geiko
- Try controlled pushing practice when your instructor considers it appropriate, at an intensity suited to you.
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Experience a bout — torikumi
Learn the sequence: bow, perform chirichozu, place both fists on the ground, begin the bout, and bow again. Explore the meaning of chirichozu and the kinjite, or prohibited techniques. The instructor adapts each guided bout to the participants.
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Take commemorative photos
Finish with photos alongside the sumo wrestlers to remember your time in the ring.
This is a sample programme. Exercises, order and duration may change with the venue, group and conditions on the day. Contact drills and bouts are offered at the instructor’s discretion. You do not need to take part in every activity. Tell us about your group’s needs when enquiring.
A LOOK INSIDE THE EXPERIENCE
Take a look inside a session
Watch a sample session to get a feel for the atmosphere and hands-on experience. Your private programme can be adapted to your group, interests and venue.
This video is an example. Activities, instructors, venue and timings are confirmed for your own booking.
Watch on YouTubeTHE PEOPLE BEHIND YOUR EXPERIENCE
Instructors & support team
Meet the sumo instructors, interpreter, photographer and organiser behind Sumo! Sumo! Sumo!
Toru Shimakura
Operator · Backrub LLC representative
- Runs Sumo! Sumo! Sumo!
- Representative of Backrub LLC.
Sitara Matsumoto
Interpreter · English-language support
- Speaks English at a native level and has lived overseas.
- Academic background at Sophia University.
Sota Kohara
Sumo instructor
- Won the Chiba Prefecture High School Sumo Championship in two consecutive years.
- Third place in the team division at the All-Japan Student Sumo Championships.
- Competitive sumo background at Hosei University.
So Miyaue
Sumo instructor · English-language instruction
- 25 years of competitive sumo experience.
- Provides professional sumo instruction in English.
- Runner-up in the under-85 kg category at the All Japan Intercollegiate Sumo Weight-Class Championships.
Kyosuke Sata
Professional photographer
- Professional photographer fluent in English.
- Experience in high-end photography, including work on international luxury cruise liners.
Shinnosuke Takemasa
Sumo instructor · Former professional wrestler
- Champion of the National Sports Festival of Japan, team division.
- Champion of the All Japan Junior Sumo Championships.
- Former professional wrestler in the Makushita division, competing under the ring name Genki.
Your session team is arranged according to the programme and availability. Please tell us about any instructor or language requests when you enquire.
AN OPTIONAL ADDITION TO YOUR PRIVATE SESSION
Train with a former sekitori.
Former sekitori — wrestlers who reached the Jūryō or Makuuchi divisions — can take part in your private training experience for an additional fee. Tell us your preferred wrestler, city and dates. We will check availability and confirm the arrangements in your proposal.
Hidenoumi 英乃海
Highest rank: Maegashira 6
A former Makuuchi wrestler from Kise stable and a Jūryō champion. His speciality is sumo with a right-hand inside grip and force-out techniques.
Daishoho 大翔鵬
Highest rank: Maegashira 9
From Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, he trained at Oitekaze stable and competed in nine Makuuchi tournaments. His speciality is a right-hand inside grip and force-out techniques.
Daikiho 大喜鵬
Highest rank: Maegashira 16
Formerly of Miyagino stable, Masahiro Yamaguchi reached the Makuuchi division. His experience also includes international sumo shows, television and film.
Shiden 紫雷
Highest rank: Jūryō 2
A former Jūryō wrestler from Kise stable, known for a left-hand inside grip and force-out style. His approachable presence is well suited to demonstrations and guest participation.
A requested wrestler is confirmed only after availability and the additional fee have been agreed. For sumo shows, media appearances or event casting, please contact Sumo Man. Shows and casting with Sumo Man
Voor reisprofessionals
Een onvergetelijke ervaring voor uw klanten. Een duidelijk plan voor u.
Voor reisbureaus, DMC's, hotels en touroperators: geef de stad, datum, groepsgrootte, leeftijden, taal en reisroute door. Wij bevestigen de locatie, personele bezetting, het programma en de boekingsvoorwaarden in een voorstel op maat. Commerciële voorwaarden delen we persoonlijk.
Voor reisprofessionalsPLAN YOUR VISIT
Available every day of the week
Private sessions can be arranged on any day, including Mondays and weekends, subject to availability.
Standard start times · Japan time
If these times do not fit your itinerary, ask us about adjusting the start time.
Visiting the Tokyo area on a Monday?
The Heiwajima / Heiwanomori Park venue in Tokyo cannot be used on Mondays. Monday sessions can instead be arranged at one of the following locations:
- Soka, Saitama
- Kawasaki, Kanagawa
- Ginza, Tokyo — additional fee applies
We check availability and confirm the venue and start time with you before booking.
AN EXPERIENCE THAT FITS YOUR GROUP
Choose an experience that suits your group.
Our sumo experiences began in 2020. The operating company, Backrub LLC, was established in August 2023.
From a small private party to a large group
Traditional ring · Recommended for up to 20 guests
For independent travellers and small groups, we recommend a real dohyo. At the Tokyo ring, groups of up to 30 may be accommodated by arrangement; the venue and participation plan must be confirmed.
Mat programme · Standard groups of 10–30
A mat programme offers flexibility for group itineraries. Larger groups require a separately arranged venue and instructor team.
Tokyo mat venues · Groups of 20–50
Venue options include Takadanobaba and Shibuya. We select the location and programme according to your group and venue availability.
Tokyo mat venues · Groups of 50–200
For large groups, a venue approximately 10 minutes by car from Ikebukuro is an option. Capacity, transport arrangements and staffing are confirmed for each booking.
Different guests, different ways to take part
Families, school groups & events
We welcome corporate MICE groups, families, middle- and high-school groups, and special-event bookings. Most guests are new to sumo; no previous knowledge or experience is required.
Women & children
Women are welcome to step onto the dohyo and participate. Participation is recommended from age four; children can also accompany the group and watch without taking part. Tell us the ages and numbers of participants and observers.
Older guests & gentle participation
We have welcomed many guests in their 60s and beyond. A gentler programme is available for those who prefer a lower level of physical activity. Experienced athletes can request more intensive training.
Modest clothing & privacy
Muslim guests are welcome to participate in a hijab or other modest attire. A female instructor may be requested well in advance, subject to availability. Private sessions also give LGBT+ guests and anyone with privacy requirements space to enjoy the experience with their own group.
Sessions in English, with demonstrations to guide you
Sessions are conducted in English, with support in English and Japanese. Demonstrations and physical practice also help guests from non-English-speaking backgrounds understand the movements.
Share your group’s requirements when enquiring. We confirm the venue, instructors, participation arrangements and meeting instructions before your visit. Please confirm travel arrangements alongside your booking details.
Plan your group’s experiencePREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT
Insurance & safety
Our sumo experience has business insurance with Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. We combine this with safety training for instructors and clear guidance for participants.
Business insurance
The policy described in our service information includes bodily-injury liability, property-damage liability and theft of guests’ belongings. Coverage is subject to the policy’s terms, conditions and exclusions.
Care during your session
Instructors receive safety training and first-aid kits are available on site. Please follow the instructor’s directions and tell us about any participation needs before your visit.
Understand the cover
Sumo is a physical activity and minor scrapes or bruises can occur. The insurance described in our service information does not cover these minor injuries. It does not guarantee cover for every accident or loss.
Travel professionals and guests can request confirmation of the insurance arrangements and the applicable coverage conditions for their visit.
Ask about insurance for your visit
Beginners en gezinnen welkom
Voordat u de ring betreedt
Vraag een privésessie minstens twee weken van tevoren aan. Neem drinkwater, een handdoek en schone kleding mee. Kinderen kunnen vanaf twee jaar deelnemen; vier jaar en ouder wordt aanbevolen. Kinderen van twaalf jaar of jonger hebben een ouder of begeleidende volwassene nodig. Laat ons vooraf weten welke voorzieningen nodig zijn voor toegang en deelname.
Meer informatieSUMO JOURNAL
Maak vóór uw bezoek kennis met sumo.
Ontdek praktische boekingsgidsen, de sumocultuur en advies voor reisprofessionals. Uitgebreide artikelen zijn beschikbaar in het Engels en Japans.
SUMO MAN
Zoekt u artiesten voor een show of productie?
Voor sumoshows, film, televisie, reclame, optredens bij evenementen en talentcasting kunt u terecht bij ons gespecialiseerde bureau, Sumo Man.
PRIVÉ-SUMOTRAINING · TOKIO EN OSAKA
Laten we uw tijd in de ring plannen.
Vertel ons iets over uw reis. We controleren de beschikbaarheid en maken een voorstel. Een aanvraag versturen bevestigt geen boeking.
Tokio & Osaka
Exclusief voor uw groep