British Sumo – A New Era for a Timeless Sport
In 2025 British Sumo was recognised as the national governing body for sumo in the UK by the International Sumo Federation.
British Sumo was founded in 2023 by a group of passionate sumo supporters, experienced wrestlers, and dedicated officials who had been part of the sport under the previous governing body.
British Sumo builds on the legacy of previous governing bodies like the British Sumo Union and British Sumo Federation and now moves forward with aim to grow and promote Sumo.
For years, sumo in the UK had been left to fade—lacking structure, proper training pathways, and serious recognition. Sumo was too often misunderstood, treated as a comic spectacle rather than the rich, disciplined martial art it truly is.
But we knew the truth: sumo is no joke. It’s one of the oldest combat sports on earth, rooted in culture, respect, and ritual. It’s the foundation from which judo, jiu-jitsu, and other martial arts evolved. And in the right environment, it can flourish again.
So we stepped up and built something new.
British Sumo exists to provide a professional, inclusive, and well-organised platform for sumo across the UK. We’re building structure where there was none. Creating opportunity where it was lacking. And offering athletes at all levels the guidance, support, and environment they need to succeed—whether they’re taking their first steps on the dohyo or preparing to compete on the world stage.
In just 2.5 years of governing our beloved sport, the transformation has been remarkable.
Key Milestones & Achievements
- Official recognition by the European Sumo Federation (EFS) – 2023
- Official recognition by the International Sumo Federation (IFS) – 2025
- Produced the first British professional rikishi in 35 years, and only the second in UK history
- Sumo now represented by all four nations of the UK—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
- Largest-ever senior squad sent to the European Championships
- More international medals won in 2.5 years than in the previous 10 years combined
- First-ever Team GB Junior Squad at the Junior European Championships
- First UK junior team to compete at the Hakuho Cup—the world’s biggest youth sumo tournament in Japan
- Record levels of participation: more clubs, more events, and more athletes than ever before
- Co-host of the Scottish Sumo Open—now Europe’s largest independent sumo tournament, attracting 15–25 nations annually
- Largest-attended British Sumo Championships in 35 years, with full four-nation representation
- Massive growth in youth and female participation, supported by new clubs and development initiatives across the UK
Sumo in Britain is no longer just England, and no longer just an afterthought. It is united, structured, competitive—and growing faster than ever. Scotland has been a driving force in that growth, with the Scottish Sumo Open now one of the most prestigious events on the European calendar. The 2025 British Sumo Championships marked a historic turning point—bringing together all four nations in a celebration of unity, strength, and ambition.
We’re especially proud of our work to grow the sport at grassroots level. From juniors to veterans, men and women, absolute beginners to elite athletes—British Sumo is for everyone. Our mission is to provide opportunity and support at every level, and to build a future for sumo in the UK that reflects the strength of its history.
Looking Ahead
While we’re proud of what we’ve achieved in such a short time, our journey is just beginning. British Sumo remains committed to pushing the sport forward—building stronger links with international federations, creating even more competitive opportunities, and continuing to change the way sumo is seen and supported in the UK.
We believe sumo belongs in British schools, sports halls, national teams, and on international podiums. And with the commitment of our athletes, volunteers, clubs and supporters, we know the best is yet to come.
Join us. Support us. Train with us.
Together, we’re shaping the future of British sumo.