Sumo Sundays: Fundamentals | For BIPOC folks

Our first drop-in for Black folks, Indigenous folks and people of colour — learn the fundamentals of sumo wrestling.
About this Event

No experience necessary. All bodies welcome.

Join us for an afternoon of sumo training in this introductory/fundamentals-forward class for people of the global majority (Black folks, Indigenous folks and people of colour)! Our drop-in sessions aim to build confidence and safety around this popular Japanese sport. Every session incorporates stretches, techniques based on each participant's skill level and an opportunity to spar.

This session is good for:

• People trying sumo for the first time
• People with minimal experience in martial arts and/or other physical activities
• Casual and regular attendees of Sumo Sundays looking for a chilled experience focusing on basics and refreshers on safety rolls, techniques, use of equipment etc.

We encourage folks of all sizes, genders and experiences to participate. PWYC. Max. 14 people per session.

Instructors:

• Kristian Castaneda (he/him) has been participating with Sumo Sundays since we started drop-ins in 2022. With his background in a variety of martial arts, Kristian used to teach some of our fundamentals with a specialty in break falls and technique. Outside of sumo, Kristian regularly teaches sambo and judo.
• Since 2022, Kayla Isomura (they/them) has co-organized countless sumo drop-ins, workshops and a handful of tournaments through Sumo Sundays, including the annual sumo exhibition at Powell Street Festival (PSF). A mixed fourth-generation Japanese Canadian, Kayla's introduction to sumo has always been through PSF. Kayla has continued to participate in sumo at PSF and in 2022, earned the big bag of rice, which they credit to previous workshops organized by the festival and impromptu training by Shane Pecknold in a local park. Through these experiences, Kayla’s goal is to make an inclusive and accessible space for sumo in Vancouver.

Learn more about Sumo Sundays at .