New Sumo Resource for Key Stages 2 and 3!

Discover the fascinating world of sumo with our brand-new online resource for Key Stages 2 and 3!

With the Grand Sumo Tournament returning to the UK for the first time since 1991, why not celebrate this special moment in the history of the sport and bring sumo to life in your classroom this half-term! Learn all about the rich and extensive history of sumo, including the many ancient traditions and rituals that can still be witnessed even in tournaments today.

Sumo is a traditional form of wrestling from Japan, in which two wrestlers must try to either push or throw one another outside of the ring, or force one another to the ground, in order to win. The very nature of the sport means that often sumo bouts last only a few seconds! Its origins can be traced back over a thousand years ago, where sumo bouts were initially performed as a ritual for the gods. 

In this lesson, pupils will be able to gain an understanding of what sumo is; learn about its significance to Japan and Japanese culture; and even find out what an average day in the life of a sumo wrestler is like!

The resource also contains a range of fun activities for both Key Stages 2 and 3, including a Sumo Wrestler Training Guide, in which pupils can learn and practice some of the fundamental exercises that real sumo wrestlers do as a part of their training!

To find out more about this resource and to download the lesson materials, visit the Sumo resource page.

For those new to Sumo and Japan, check out our curated selection of teaching resources and activities.

We’re looking for bold, eye-catching designs that highlight and showcase the The Grand Sumo Tournament itself and the friendship between Japan and the UK. Your poster should include elements that represent sumo, Japan, and the UK, as well as incorporate at least two of the following elements: landmarks, national colours, natural patterns, symbolic animals, cultural motifs, or food.

Design your poster in A4 size (approximately 595mm x 842mm) or using the space provided on the entry form.

We welcome entries from individuals as well as schools. For more information and to enter the competition, please visit the Competition Page.

Important Notes

• Entrants must be 18 or under and reside in the UK to be eligible to win a prize.
• Entries will be judged based on two different categories – Primary (years 1-6) and Secondary (years 7-13).

Deadline for entries: Friday 10 October 2025