Jersey Sumo, Club of the Month

February 2020 - Guys flew in from four different states to train with the Jersey crew before a tournament in Philly.

Seven years ago, Jersey Sumo got its start with just two guys and a couple of second-hand sumo belts. “At first, we barely knew how to tie a mawashi,” says club president Ed Suczewski. But in the years since, Jersey Sumo has brought twelve national medals back to the Garden State. 

“You just have to keep moving forward,” Suczewski says. “In U.S. sumo, nothing comes easy, but the opportunities are there if you look for them.” Over the years, Jersey Sumo has brought in some of the best U.S. and international competitors to train. They’ve also sent their members to train and compete in top sumo nations like Japan, Mongolia, and Poland. And through these experiences, the club has grown stronger.

Despite its past success, Jersey Sumo has its sights set on the future. “2020 was a wake-up call for us,” says Suczewski. “There are a lot of hungry, young clubs out there, and we can’t get complacent. Recruiting, training, competing, everything. We want to be the best club in the country.”

March 2020 - The Jersey Sumo crew after U.S. Nationals.

Jersey Sumo is always looking to recruit new members, whether you’re an experienced sumotori or someone with no experience in sports at all. Also, keep an eye out for the next Jersey Sumo Training Camp in the fall of 2021, open to experienced athletes as well as absolute beginners.

For more info on getting started in sumo, contact president@ussumo.org