About
What is Sumo Canada?
Sumo Canada is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 2024 by sumo enthusiasts and athletes. Its mission is to promote the development of amateur sumo in Canada. Our organization is recognized by the International Sumo Federation (IFS) as the governing body for the sport of sumo in Canada.
Our priority is to organize the first edition of the Canadian Sumo Championships in 2025. If you wish to help in the organization of the event, please write to us!
What is Sumo?
Sumo is a combat sport that is played both at the amateur and professional levels.
Professional sumo is considered to be the national sport of Japan. Professional sumo wrestlers train as members of a stable (heya) and compete in 6 tournaments (called basho) throughout the year in one of the six ranked divisions. There are no weight categories in professional sumo, and only men are allowed to participate. Professional sumo is governed by the Japan Sumo Association (JSA).
Amateur sumo is practiced by amateur athletes around the World and is governed by the International Sumo Federation (IFS). The IFS is recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
In competition, both male and female athletes participate in their respective weight and age divisions (junior and adult). An openweight division also exists.
Amateur sumo is featured in the following international events:
- Sumo World Championships (SWC) – organized by the IFS
- World Games – organized by the International World Games Association (IWGA)
- World Combat Games – organized by SportAccord
- Various continental and national championships
- Various open tournaments around the world, sanctioned by one of the recognized National Federations
