Darius Campbell, Sumotori of the Month

Darius Campbell got his start in Sumo in a very similar way to most others. He began exploring the sport after something in his life sparked an interest, and then BAM! He was hooked.

Darius Campbell

Campbell in competition

This time, Sumo can thank the addition of this great fighter to anime. Though his interest started in 2014, Darius would not actually step foot in a dohyo until 2018 with his debut match at the US Sumo Open. In fact, it was at that tournament that Darius’ love for Sumo deepened. He found, as so many within the sport have discovered, that Sumo is not just a sport, it’s a community full of welcoming arms and people who embrace and encourage you. He established lasting friendships and relationships that would support and help grow his abilities within the sport. He mentioned that even a long time high standing competitor helped him in competition. “Shawn Buller specifically gave me advice that would help me to the semi finals”. It is rare to find a sport in which competitors will help each other in competition, but even more rare to find a sport where the competitors want to help each other enrich their lives outside of the sport, and Sumo is one such place. In a time where differences among people divide us as a community when they should really be bringing us together, and in a world where anxieties, insecurities, and fear of failure and rejection keep people from getting out there and trying new things its amazing when you can find a place that makes you feel confident and powerful. Darius remarks that the community he found in Sumo allowed him to feel these things. He said, “It gave me a reason to travel, meet new people, and try new things. It helped me overcome my social anxiety which really hindered me earlier in life. The community of people is just so supportive despite socio-economic, political, racial, religious, cultural, and sexuality differences”. Perhaps one of the most remarkable things about Dairus is the fact that, though still very new to the sport, he has made major gains in growing the sport in the United States by co-founding the Ohayo Sumo Club, as well as creating a podcast for Sumo! Their club is highly focused on the development of youth athletes which is a much needed part of the sport. Of course Darius wants to make it to Worlds, and as all athletes in Sumo, is looking hopefully towards a possible Olympic spot. He very well could make it there! He continues to practice though, not just because he wants to snag that medal, but because of the important things the sport instills in its athletes. He says, “ It's a sport that teaches traditional values and morals, as well as integrity, sportsmanship, honor, dedication, respect, confidence, and a sense of belonging. The community is the best that I've ever been apart of and is still my favorite part of the sport”. With all of those aspects encompassed in one sport it’s easy to see why so many fall in love with Sumo. We want to thank Darius for all he has contributed to the sport so far, and we look forward to seeing what he does next!