Sumo Training Moves

Did you know that in professional sumo there are no weight classes, meaning that, in an official tournament, a sumo wrestler could be matched against someone double or even triple their own weight? Whilst gaining weight is important for a sumo wrestler, daily training and practice to focus on improving aspects such as strength, flexibility, and agility, is also crucial.

Learn some of the fundamental moves that sumo wrestlers around the world practice everyday as a part of their training, including shiko, suri-ashi (sliding feet), koshi-wari (sumo squat), and more, using this fun and interactive resource pack!

The resource pack contains a PowerPoint presentation that teachers can use as as a lesson on sumo or as a stand-alone activity, as well as a PDF with illustrated Instruction Cards for each of the moves. This resource is ideal for KS2 pupils, but could be adapted for younger and older pupils too - or it can be used by those who want to practice at home, too!

Please note that the PowerPoint Presentation is in Read-Only format, which will allow you to present the slideshow but not edit. For teachers who need editable version of any of the presentations for their classroom teaching, please contact us at education@japansociety.org.uk.

Resources

Learning Objectives

• To learn about how sumo wrestlers train.
• To practice some of the fundamental sumo training exercises.

Lesson Duration

• Activity only: 15 - 20 minutes
• Full lesson: 40 - 50 minutes

Resource Pack

• Sumo Training Moves Presentation - PPT (6.2 MB)
• Sumo Training Moves Instruction Cards - PDF (653 KB)

PowerPoint presentation and instruction card illustrations by Aya Burbanks.

Other Resources

• Sumo
  Learn more about sumo, including the sport's traditions and rituals, its extensive history, and even what the average day in the life of a sumo wrestler is like! 
  
  
• Radio Taiso
  Warm-up with this quick, simple, and popular exercise routine that has been practiced in Japan for almost 100 years!