Vancouver's Sumo Sundays Brings Ancient Sport Into the Modern Age — for Every Body

Eva Yu became a sumo “super fan” just last year — and now she’s stepping into the ring herself. On Monday, Yu competed in the 2025 Vancouver Basho, an amateur sumo event held at the Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall, hosted by the inclusive local group Sumo Sundays.

What started as a spectator’s fascination quickly turned into full-blown participation for Yu, who took home the Fighting Spirit Award after honoring a retired Japanese pro wrestler with a spirited pre-bout ritual. “It was exhilarating,” she said. “There’s a powerful moment of connection with your sparring partner just before the match begins.”

Sumo Sundays describes itself as "Canada’s only all-bodies sumo club," welcoming participants of all sizes, genders, and athletic backgrounds. The group offers drop-ins, workshops, and now organizes the sumo exhibitions at Vancouver’s long-running Powell Street Festival, which celebrates Japanese Canadian arts and culture.

Co-founder Kayla Isomura says their journey began with a spontaneous match at the festival, but the club has since evolved into a space where people can learn sumo technique in a supportive and playful environment. “You don’t have to be super athletic or strong,” they said. “We’re often just rolling around laughing.”

Fellow co-founder Shane Pecknold, who weighs around 155 pounds, says many people assume sumo is only for large athletes. “I hear, ‘You don’t have the right body for it,’” he said. “But I know better. Any sport should be open to anyone who wants to play.”

Pecknold says what drew him to the sport wasn’t just the competition, but the Japanese value of ganbaru — to do one’s best and persist through challenges. It’s a mindset the club embodies as it works to modernize an ancient tradition.

By blending the deeply rooted rituals of sumo with an inclusive, community-driven approach, Sumo Sundays is proving that this centuries-old sport can thrive in today’s world — with room in the ring for everyone.