All-Girls High School Sumo Club Breaking Barriers in the Ring

Founded in 2015, Kyoto Ryoyo High School is home to an all-girls sumo club — uncommon for a sport traditionally dominated by men. Unlike the typical setup where girls and boys train together, this club is made up entirely of female athletes. 

With a focus on strategy and self-reflection, the club has quickly risen to become one of the top-performing teams in the nation.

Still, women's sumo remains under-recognized. The team is working hard to change that by showcasing the distinctive appeal of women's sumo, where speed, technique, and agility take center stage. 

This spring, three new members joined the club, stepping into the ring and beginning their journey in high school sumo.

In early April, the team was training at their practice facility, "Nyanko Dojo," located in Kyoto's Nishikyo Ward. Their routine began with traditional shiko (foot stomps), followed by suriashi (sliding footwork), and then full sparring matches. 

Before practice, the girls laughed and chatted casually. But once training began, their expressions turned focused and intense. 

"Push now! Go for it!" shouted head coach Yuki Takahashi, his energy palpable.

Striving for More Than Medals

Practices are held six days a week. The club currently has six members, half of whom live in school dormitories. All of them first met Takahashi in elementary or junior high school and were inspired by his passion to join Kyoto Ryoyo.

Since the club's inception, its members have won national titles in individual events and placed second in team competitions. They even secured second place in the lightweight division at the World Junior Championships.

Yet for Takahashi, success means more than just medals. "Winning matches is a goal, but it's not our ultimate purpose," he explains. His aim is to nurture athletes who set personal goals, recognize their challenges, and grow through hard work and self-discovery.

The story of Japan's first all-girls high school sumo club began when Takahashi, a former Ritsumeikan University sumo wrestler, joined Kyoto Ryoyo's faculty in 2014. 

Training with Strategy

Although there were opportunities for girls in sumo at the elementary, junior high, and college levels, high school options were scarce. Recognizing this gap, the school began exploring the idea of a girls' sumo club. Takahashi, who had experience in coaching female athletes, took the lead.

Girls' sumo matches are organized by weight class, and competitors wear clothing under their mawashi (belt). Weight-cutting before competitions isn't uncommon. 

"The lighter the weight class, the more the unique features of women's sumo shine through," Takahashi says. Unlike men's matches that often emphasize raw power, women's sumo is driven by speed, technique, and tactical precision.

Some techniques used in women's bouts are rarely seen in men's matches. Misaki Hayakawa, a second-year student in the under-60 kg category who has practiced sumo since kindergarten, says, "It's really fun when you learn a new move and can use it successfully in a match."

The club focuses on strategy and self-reflection in training. A smartphone and monitor are set up by the ring so members can review footage immediately after practice. 

Each athlete also fills out a self-evaluation sheet, noting their performance and progress toward personal goals. This exercise helps them grow and prepare for future training.

Club captain Yumeka Kita, a third-year student, shares, "There aren't many places where girls can train exclusively with other girls. Practicing together every day really sets this club apart."

Breaking Stereotypes

One major challenge remains: the limited recognition of women's sumo as a sport. To broaden its reach, Takahashi regularly hosts sumo workshops for children ranging from preschoolers to junior high students. A central part of the club's mission is breaking the stereotype that sumo is only for the heavy or physically strong.

As sumo gains popularity overseas as a non-striking martial art, the team hopes to generate similar enthusiasm in Japan. "I want people to see it and think, 'Wow, girls' sumo looks fun,' " says Takahashi. The team actively updates its social media, aiming to showcase the depth and excitement of the sport.

At the International Girls Sumo Invitational in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, on April 13, the team earned second place in the team division. These six dedicated young athletes are ready to keep challenging the status quo—and shake up the world of sumo.

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(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Daiki Watanabe, The Sankei Shimbun