An ancient Japanese martial art, deeply rooted in Shinto tradition, is finding an unlikely but fervent new home in the United Kingdom. Sumo wrestling is experiencing a remarkable British boom, fuelled by viral social media clips and the rare spectacle of Japan's elite competitors battling on London soil.
Social Media and a Royal Albert Hall Spectacle
The surge in interest can be traced to a major event in October: the Grand Sumo Tournament at the Royal Albert Hall. This was only the second time the professional tour had been held outside Japan, and tickets sold out instantly. Fans witnessed top stars, including grand champions (yokozuna) Ōnosato Daiki of Japan and Mongolia's Hōshōryū Tomokatsu.
"The last time Grand Sumo was in the UK was 30 years ago, and the same thing happened; it caused a little bit of sumo mania," said Jonathan Templeton, who runs Sumo na hÉireann in Belfast, the first club of its kind in Ireland. He believes social media algorithms are now amplifying that effect, introducing fans of boxing or UFC to sumo's explosive action.
"It's the most spectator-friendly martial art," Templeton explained. "Each match lasts roughly ten seconds or less, so it's very consumable. You don't need to invest 90 minutes. Maybe that's something to do with the popularity, with the short-form media generation, YouTube and TikTok. It's very TikTok-able."
The Rise of Amateur Sumo Across Britain
This growing fascination is translating into active participation. Amateur wrestlers from across the UK and Ireland are now preparing for a landmark event: the first ever British Isles Sumo Championships, scheduled to take place in just six weeks.
Richard Riggs, northern vice-president of the British Sumo Federation, reports a "huge increase in interest" over the past three years, accelerating after the London tournament. "We've trained new coaches and opened new clubs across the country, with more planned for 2026 and beyond," he said.
Riggs emphasises the sport's unique appeal: "People from all walks of life, shapes and sizes are wanting to give sumo a go because of its unique ethos, which is heavy in Japanese Shinto tradition but also fast paced, technically intricate and a hard-hitting wrestling style."
Inclusive, Intense, and Breaking Stereotypes
The amateur scene differs significantly from its professional counterpart. Crucially, it features weight classes, allowing anyone to compete against a similarly-sized opponent. "I would be 85kg, that's lightweight, and it goes right up to anything over 115kg, which is heavyweight," Templeton noted.
Furthermore, unlike the men-only professional league, women are welcomed and compete at the same intense pace. "Sumo is probably one of the most inclusive martial arts and is open to anyone regardless of size, gender, background or ability," Riggs affirmed.
However, Templeton offers a word of caution: "Absolutely anyone can compete, but it is a very rough sport. If you're there for a laugh and someone's training for the next competition, you could find yourself getting thrown around."
The UK is even beginning to produce professional talent. Earlier this year, 15-year-old Nicholas Tarasenko became only the second Briton ever to join the professional sport in Japan, following success in amateur tournaments and a dedication to learning Japanese.
Looking ahead, advocates are working to get sumo included in the Olympic programme. But Templeton outlines a broader mission: "Our overall goal is to change the perception of sumo from the 'fat guys and nappies' kind of stereotype, to show people that it's for everyone." As new clubs open and the first championships approach, this ancient sport is firmly planting its feet in British soil.
