Sumo experience for Muslims? Remember “Amita Sumo Dojo!

Want to take part in the Japan’s national sport?

Sumo is one of Japan’s most iconic traditional sports—dynamic, powerful, and deeply connected to Japanese culture. While most travelers only get to watch sumo from a distance, Amita Sumo Dojo offers something far more special: a hands-on sumo experience where anyone can learn and train directly with real wrestlers.

At Amita, participants don’t just observe. Instead, they step into the dohyo, learn basic movements, and feel the power and technique behind this centuries-old martial art. It is an immersive cultural activity that goes far beyond sightseeing.

Amita so far is the only Sumo experience that ensures Muslim-friendly environment. Here is why.

A Brief History of Sumo

Sumo dates back more than 1,500 years and was originally performed as a ritual dedicated to the Shinto gods. Over time, it evolved into a competitive sport practiced by professional wrestlers known as rikishi. These wrestlers dedicate their lives to intense training, discipline, and traditional lifestyles that have been carefully preserved for generations.

Today, sumo remains a symbol of Japanese heritage. Visiting a dojo provides a rare chance to witness these traditions up close—and even participate in a small part of them.

Why Amita Sumo Dojo Is Truly Special

What sets Amita apart is the authenticity of the experience. Instead of simply watching wrestlers perform, guests receive direct instruction from former professional rikishi who have trained and competed at the highest levels.
Their techniques, movements, and guidance come from real experience inside the professional sumo world—something no ordinary tourist attraction can replicate.

Participants can try warm-ups, basic footwork (shiko), pushing techniques, and even safe mini bouts. It’s a rare opportunity to engage with sumo as a true martial art rather than a staged performance.

Why Amita Sumo Dojo Is Muslim-Friendly

Amita is currently one of the very few sumo dojos in Japan offering thoughtful accommodations for Muslim visitors. There are two key reasons for this:

1. Staff with deep knowledge of Muslim needs
The manager previously worked at a famous halal Malaysian restaurant in Japan. Because of this experience, he understands Muslim cultural and religious requirements—from privacy considerations to hospitality expectations.

2. Female wrestler available for those who prefer female instructors
Since male wrestlers typically train wearing only a mawashi (loincloth), some Muslim women may feel uncomfortable with a male instructor. Amita solves this by offering training sessions taught by a female wrestler upon request.

This level of sensitivity and flexibility is extremely rare, and currently, Amita is the only sumo experience in Japan providing such an option.

These thoughtful accommodations make Amita a safe, comfortable, and respectful environment for Muslim visitors who want to enjoy authentic Japanese culture.

Please note that each group can choose only one instructor gender for the lesson.
For mixed-gender groups, Amita will assign a male rikishi by default. A female instructor can be arranged upon request as the second option.
Rikishi can avoid physical contact with participants of a different gender if requested, but please understand that this may reduce the quality and authenticity of the training.

Details of the lesson

Please make sure to book in advance to secure your spots from the below button.

The lesson involves little bit of exercise, however, any age people can try! No meal is offered in this experience, however, they are happy to give you some Halal restaurant suggestions.