Striving to BUILD THE
FUTURE OF SUMO IN SOCAL
At Honu Sumo, we’re more than a club—we’re a movement dedicated to growing and preserving the art of sumo wrestling across Southern California.
Whether you're in San Diego or Orange County, our doors are open to all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. We invite you to experience the power, discipline, and camaraderie of sumo in a setting that’s inclusive, fun, and physically challenging.
Our mission is to build a community that values competition, respect, and mutual support. Here, you’ll discover a place where tradition meets innovation, where every training session is an opportunity to strengthen both body and mind, and where you can be part of sumo’s legacy in SoCal.
“If you want to push yourself physically and mentally, Honu Sumo is the place. JJ’s training is intense, but everyone here—from beginners to experienced members—supports each other. It’s rare to find a place that balances competition with such a strong sense of community.”
— Gary, Huntington Beach
The Honu Sumo Insider - FAQ
-
What is Sumo Wrestling?Sumo is a competitive full-contact wrestling sport where a wrestler (rikishi) attempts to force another wrestler out of a circular ring (dohyo) or into touching the ground with any body part other than the soles of their feet. Originating in Japan, it is a sport steeped in tradition and ceremony, with professional and amateur practitioners worldwide.
-
Do I need to be a certain weight or fitness level to join?Sumo is for everyone! There are no specific weight or fitness requirements to join our club. We encourage participants of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels to learn and compete. Many amateur sumo tournaments often provide dedicated weight divisions to allow for wrestlers of similar sizes to have competitive matches.
-
Can women join the club?Definitely women can join! We believe in providing a supportive and respectful environment for everyone interested in learning and practicing sumo wrestling. Our sessions for women are designed to be empowering, focusing on technique, strength, and the cultural aspects of the sport. Whether you're looking to compete or just train for fitness and fun, we welcome you to join.
-
Preparing for your first sumo practiceYou will sweat and you will definitely bruise. Sumo wrestling is a full contact sport and can be hard on the body. Make sure you let the club aware of any injuries or limitations. Bring water, a towel, a willingness to learn and compete. Arrive on time. Loaner mawashis (sumo belt) will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. Trim your nails, tie long hair back, and no jewelry or loose clothing. You will be up close and personal with others wrestlers, please practice good hygiene.
-
What does a typical practice session look like?Each session begins with a warm-up, followed by fundamental sumo exercises to improve flexibility and strength. We then move on to skill work, which includes learning various techniques and forms. Practice usually ends with randori, where wrestlers apply their skills in practice bouts.
-
What equipment or attire do I need?The primary attire for sumo practice is a mawashi, which is a traditional sumo belt. We provide beginners with a mawashi for their initial sessions. As you advance, you may want to purchase your own. It is recommended that you wear comfortable workout attire (shorts, compression spandex, leggings, etc.) under the mawashi. We encourage anyone who wants to practices "traditionally" (show your butt) to do so, however, it is NOT REQUIRED for practices.
Train with National Champions and U.S. Sumo Community Leaders
At Honu Sumo, you’ll have the unique opportunity to train with Justin "JJ" Jones, a national sumo champion and the head coach.
Under JJ’s leadership, you'll also train alongside other champions who bring their own expertise and achievements to the ring.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, JJ’s unique approach blends traditional sumo with modern martial arts techniques.