United States Sumo Federation

USSF UPDATE APRIL 2026 📬

We’re kicking off something new, this is our first monthly update, with more to come moving forward. This edition includes Nationals 2026 highlights, leadership updates, and more.

Make sure you’re checking your email so you don’t miss important news, results, and opportunities within the community.

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Stay connected. Stay informed.

Step onto the dohyo or witness the action live.

The 2026 US Sumo Nationals returns to Las Vegas as the official qualifier for the Sumo World Championships. Athletes from across the country will compete for national titles and the opportunity to represent USA.

Whether you're ready to compete or want to experience the intensity of live sumo, this is the premier amateur sumo event in the United States.

📍 Las Vegas
📅 March 28, 2026

Athletes: Register on Smoothcomp

Spectators: Purchase tickets on Eventbrite

Links available in bio.

U.S. Nationals | Compete and Qualify Today — United States Sumo Federation Discover the US Nationals for sumo wrestling, the premier event for athletes aiming for international competition. Join now and showcase your skills.

Today on International Women’s Day, the United States Sumo Federation is proud to recognize some of the incredible women helping grow and strengthen American sumo.

From athletes competing on the dohyo to officials volunteering their time and young wrestlers representing the future of the sport, women play an essential role across our community.

This post highlights just a few of the many women contributing to U.S. sumo:

• Christina Griffin Jones of Honu Sumo and Mika Grimmer of Rain City Sumo featured on the cover

• Jessica Hopper of Mighty Eagle Sumo — a 2nd degree black belt, USSF Secretary, and frequent gyoji volunteer helping events run smoothly

• Kellyann Ball of Honu Sumo OC — USSF Treasurer and multi-time World Championship medalist, pictured with the legendary Katrina Watts after earning silver at the World Championships

• Brianna Lauderdale of Tennessee Sumo competing at an event that featured women gyoji and women corner judges, highlighting the growing presence of women in officiating

• Rosie Wilson of Honu Sumo — recently competed at the Hakuho Cup in Japan and trained at Ryōyoj, an all-girls sumo club, representing the next generation of the sport

We’re grateful for the athletes, officials, volunteers, and leaders who continue to help move American sumo forward.

Know a woman helping grow sumo in your community? Tag them in the comments so we can celebrate them too.

Happy International Women’s Day from the United States Sumo Federation. 💪

This trip has been an incredible learning experience for our youth athletes 🇺🇸🇯🇵
Beyond the competition, they’ve had the opportunity to experience sumo culture firsthand and meet many accomplished wrestlers along the way, including the incredible@yokozuna_hakuho — a moment that will stay with them for years to come.

The focus now turns to competition.
The tournament begins Saturday, February 6th at 8:00 AM (Japan time), and our athletes are ready to step on the dohyo and represent the United States.

We’ve landed in Japan 🇯🇵
Our mainland youth representatives are officially here for the Hakuho Cup.

Grateful for the support that helped get these athletes ready to represent—huge thanks to for partnering with us on hoodies for the kids, and for purchasing hats for the team.

Let the experience begin.
Follow along as our athletes take on the Hakuho Cup.

🔥 TEAM USA IS HEADED TO JAPAN 🔥

This February 7–8, the United States Sumo Federation is proud to send four youth athletes to compete at the Hakuho Cup — one of the most prestigious youth sumo tournaments in the world.

These athletes represent the future of American sumo, stepping onto the international dohyo with pride, discipline, and heart.

Huge thank you to for partnering with us on the merch and helping our athletes represent the U.S. on the world stage.

📲 Follow along as we share their journey, competition days, and behind-the-scenes moments from Japan.

💬 Drop a comment to cheer us on!

FIND A SUMO CLUB NEAR YOU — SOUTH REGION 🔥

Sumo is growing across the South! From Mississippi and Alabama through Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas, clubs are building strong, welcoming communities rooted in discipline, respect, and hard work.

Whether you’re brand new to sumo or looking to compete, there’s a club ready to welcome you.

🗺 Tap the link in our bio or visit ussumo.org/map to find a club near you.
No club nearby? Start one! Resources available at ussumo.org/startingsumo

🎉❄️ Happy Holidays & Happy New Year from the USSF! ❄️🎉

As the year comes to a close, we’re grateful for every athlete, coach, club, volunteer, and supporter who helped grow sumo across the United States this year.

Thank you for your strength, respect, discipline, and community spirit - on and off the dohyo. We can’t wait to see what we build together in the year ahead.

✨ Push Beyond Limits - All Year Long ✨

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a powerful start to the New Year! ⛄🇺🇸

FIND A SUMO CLUB NEAR YOU - NORTH REGION ❄️

Sumo is growing across the North! From Wisconsin to New York, athletes are building strong, welcoming communities dedicated to the sport.

Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned competitor, the North Region has a club ready to help you step onto the dohyo.

🗺️ Find your nearest club: Link in bio or ussumo.org/map
No club near you? Start one! Resources: ussumo.org/startingsumo

🗽 Club Spotlight: New York Sumo Club

From the five boroughs to the dohyo, New York Sumo Club represents the strength, diversity, and energy of the city that never sleeps.

Founded in 2022, this fast-growing club is led by Oscar Dolan and Dan Douglas — both passionate about bringing the art of sumo to NYC’s athletic community.

Each practice wraps up with a friendly mini tournament, pushing everyone to test their skill and spirit.

📍 New York, NY
🕓 Sundays 4–8 PM

Whether you’re new to sumo or ready to compete, there’s a spot for you on the dohyo.

➡️ Message or visit ussumo.org to learn more and get connected.