Honu Sumo Club

Great sumo practice & welcoming community. Since February 2025, practice has been at Lvl.5 BJJ gym in National City.

Great place to train. Large tatami area, located above a convenience store for snacks and Gatorades, etc. Very friendly, knowledgeable coaches who have completed and medaled at World level. Family friendly practices for all ages and skill levels.

Honu sumo clubs provides a welcoming environment to experience the art of sumo wrestling. Professor JJ has a vast knowledge in multiple grappling arts that supplement his approach on the ancient art of sumo wrestling. Plus a community that embodies a family.

Whether it’s your first time ever or you’re. Seasoned sumo veteran, the Honu Sumo club is the best place to be to learn sumo in California.

My experience with Honu Sumo Club has been nothing but positive. Not only do they have worldclass instructors (they have literally competed on the world stage), but the organizers have a wonderfully open and welcoming philosophy. I joined as an older man (50+) with no prior wrestling experience looking to try my hand at a sport I’ve followed as a fan for decades. Many of the other participants are much younger, and some come from a wrestling background or have other martial arts experience, but I never once felt out of place or unwelcome. Every weekend, I go up against people of all ages, genders, sizes, and experience levels, and I always come away with improved skills, knowledge, and motivation. Jj, the head instructor, will push you and call you out if you’re not paying attention. But he also ensures every practice is filled with fun moments and encouragement and focused on how we can improve individually and as a group. As someone who has spent time in Japan, I also love that we are always reminded to show respect for the history and traditions of sumo as well as for the culture that created it. I feel like Honu Sumo Club has something for everyone, whether you just want to improve your physical fitness, you’re a serious athlete looking to compete for medals, you’ve always wanted to try a martial art, or you just want to be part of the inclusive and supportive sumo community. I can’t recommend it highly enough.