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Amateur Sumo Takes Off in England, Fueled by Social-Media Buzz
By Drooid · · How we work
Surge in Amateur Sumo Clubs Across England
Amateur sumo clubs have multiplied rapidly in the United Kingdom, expanding from a single club to thirteen locations in England within a two-year span. The growth reflects a shift from the sport’s traditional image toward a more inclusive, community-focused model that welcomes participants of varied body types and skill levels.
Social-Media as Growth Engine
The acceleration is largely credited to viral short-form videos on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram Reels and TikTok. Typical bouts last five to fifteen seconds, a format that translates well to quick, shareable clips. Practitioners and promoters note that these bite-size highlights generate curiosity and attract newcomers who might otherwise dismiss sumo as a heavyweight-only discipline.
Founder Profile: Joe Andrews
Joe Andrews, the founder of England’s first amateur sumo club in Glastonbury, has been a vocal advocate for the sport’s broader appeal. He emphasizes that the public’s perception is shaped by professional sumo’s heavyweight focus, which does not represent the amateur scene’s diversity. Andrews’ club serves as a prototype for the emerging network of community clubs now operating in cities such as Bristol, Exeter and Manchester.
Club Expansion Data
Verbatim Quote
“People think that's what sumo is - and that's professional sumo, but we're doing amateur sumo and it's far more inclusive - it's massively misunderstood,” — Joe Andrews