About Sumo
Sumo (Sumō) is an ancient Japanese Shinto ceremony and festival where wrestlers grapple on a dohyo (ring); it also originated as a martial art. The professional version is known as Grand Sumo (Ōzumō). It is internationally recognized as a Japanese martial art, combat sport, and traditional sport.
Sumo tournaments are held six times a year in January, March, May, July, September, and November across Japan.
Click here for the official website of the Sumo Association
Message from the Stable Master
The Sumo Stable as a Place for Character Development
I entered the sumo world at the age of 18 and served as a rikishi (sumo wrestler) under the name Aminishiki for about 23 years. Reflecting on my career, I overcame many injuries and was supported by many people. After retiring, I had the opportunity to study at the Graduate School of Sports Sciences at Waseda University. Moving forward, I will utilize my 23 years of experience as a rikishi and what I have learned to contribute as a coach and manager for the stable. We will honor tradition while flexibly incorporating new ideas to ensure each apprentice has a fulfilling career as a rikishi.
About Ajigawa Stable
Former sekiwake Aminishiki retired from active competition after the July 2019 tournament and succeeded to the name Ajigawa, becoming the eighth stable master. He reestablished the Ajigawa Stable with one apprentice, his nephew Sakuraba (now Anzakura). The new stable building in Koto Ward, Tokyo, was completed, and the stable opening ceremony was held on June 16, 2023. The stable currently has six rikishi.
About the Support Association
Ajigawa Stable is supported by many members of our support association. We would be delighted if people from all over the world could also support Ajigawa Stable.
Sumo Stable Experience Tour
Albeit on an irregular basis, we offer valuable tours where you can visit an actual sumo stable, wear a mawashi (sumo loincloth), and train with the rikishi. After training, you can also enjoy chanko soup, a traditional Japanese dish served to the rikishi.
Becoming a Rikishi
※We are not currently recruiting apprentices.
The basic qualifications for the new apprentice examination, held before each tournament, include being a healthy male who has completed compulsory education, meeting the specified height and weight requirements, and being under 23 years old. For those who have achieved certain results in amateur competitions specified by the Japan Sumo Association, the age limit is under 25 years old.
Ajigawa Stable
4-1 Ishijima, Koto Ward, Tokyo: a 15-minute walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station on the Hanzōmon and Ōedo Lines, a 20-minute walk from Kiba Station on the Tozai Line, and a 20-minute walk from Sumiyoshi Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line
