"Sumo is a demanding sport that requires training, but it's not as simple as it sounds," explains Thibaud Ricci, current president of Paris Sumo. With a martial arts practice that is well known to be an integral part of Japanese culture, sumo is an unusual discipline that brings together several dozen enthusiasts within this Parisian association.
In 2009, sumo enthusiasts began offering sumo sessions to each other in the Bois de Vincennes , and the association was soon created. So, how do you learn sumo? At the association, classes are divided into three parts, including muscle strengthening, basic techniques and 1-on-1 combat. Contrary to popular belief, no, you don't need to be particularly big to practise sumo: the discipline can be practised with any build, height or weight, but technique is more important.
How do the classes at Paris Sumo work? Here, it's up to you to decide whether you want to practice for leisure or for more ambitious goals, including competition. Every Sunday, training takes place at the Jean Dame gymnasium in the 2nd arrondissement, between 10am and 12.30pm. In 2025, the association organized the first international sumo open in Paris, in a competition involving several categories ofathletes from France and all over the world.
If you'd like to try your hand at the art of sumo, the Paris Sumo association offers two free trial classes before registering for the year. The association has no children's members, but they are welcome to take part in an introductory class (and register for the year thereafter). Annual classes resume in September, shortly after the start of the school year.
Location
Gymnase Jean Dame
17 rue Léopold Bellan
75002 Paris 2
Official website
www.paris-sumo.fr
