We Tried Sumo Wrestling in the Bearded Monk Parking Lot — and You Should Too

I first heard of Kurowashi Sumo Collective from the Bearded Monk, advertising as an event to "get your queer ass in the ring!" A group of curious people gathered outside, and a ring had been set up in the parking lot. Like many there, I was intrigued by the novelty — I'd never seen anything like it.

As the collective set up the ring, Matt Jim introduced himself as the head of Kurowashi — and immediately started breaking down everything I thought I knew about sumo.

"Sumo wrestling may look like hugging at high-speed, but it's the origin of all Japanese martial arts! It's like watching two Volkswagens crashing together — it's some incredible stuff!"

The audience watched as members tied their mawashi belts onto one another. Matt explained that Kurowashi is an Amazumo group — "amateur sumo" — which means they're free from the strict traditions of professional Ozumo.

"Amazumo takes all the great parts of traditional sumo and opens it up to anyone. We have weight classes, so any size can compete. Women are allowed to compete too, along with any other gender identity. There is so much diversity in the Amazumo scene, and we're here to show that to y'all tonight."

The audience then watched as wrestlers of all sizes, races, genders, and skill levels competed with one another. Between the surprising matchups were sake shots and cheers from the audience, enthralled by the unexpected excitement of the event.

When the bout was finished, Kurowashi opened up the ring, inviting anyone interested in sumo to give it a try. With so many people's minds now open to sumo, the wait for a mawashi belt was long. The excitement was palpable, and everybody wanted to give it a try.

By the end of the night, dozens of new sumo wrestlers had stepped into the ring for the first time.

What is Sumo?

Sumo is the oldest martial art in Japan, with a history stretching back over 1,500 years. It's a sport of ritual and tradition — but at its core, the rules are simple: push your opponent out of the ring, or make any part of their body other than their feet touch the ground.

That simplicity is part of its appeal. Anyone can understand it. And anyone can try it.

Amateur sumo — the kind practiced at Kurowashi — is different from the traditional version you see in Japan. There are weight classes. There's gender inclusion. There's even a sense of playfulness that professional sumo doesn't always have.

"Sumo isn't just about size," one member told me. "It's about balance, strength, and technique. Anyone who is dedicated can get better at sumo."

Inclusivity: The Core of Kurowashi Collective

Kurowashi Sumo Collective is based in Denton, right on the Square. They practice at The Dojo, a space that's become a home for Denton's alternative martial arts scene. Their approach to martial arts is different than others: Its welcoming, accessible, and deeply community-focused.

"Kurowashi is for everyone. It doesn't matter if you've done a hundred sports or if this is your first. Your size, your experience, your gender, background — none of that matters. What matters is that you're willing to get in the ring and just try."

The collective is focused on consent and autonomy. You know your body best, they remind you — and you're encouraged to listen to it.

"Some people need trainers that push them hard, but that's not our style at Kurowashi. We believe people learn best when they're having fun, and they're more likely to reach their fitness goals when they feel supported. Whether you want to train hard or just need to move your body, we create that space for you."

And before you swear off Sumo due to it's "naked wrestling" stereotype: Amazumo is different. It allows you to wear as much, or as little, coverage as you feel confident in. You can wrestle in socks, bicycle shorts, and a t-shirt — or you can rock the classic style of mawashi, and nothing else.

And the pricing is accessible: $55 a month for practice, offered twice a week. The only equipment you'll need is a mawashi belt, which costs about $132 — and you can borrow a loaner until you're ready. The best part? Kurowashi is a non-profit, meaning every dollar goes back into supporting the collective.

Why Join Sumo?

For many members, the appeal isn't just the sport — it's the community inside it.

"We're like a family," one member said. "A close-knit group of people who support each other. Honestly, these are some of my closest people."

But the physical benefits are real too. Being good journalists we got in the ring and can confirm: Sumo is a full-body workout. In just 45 seconds, we were left breathless but smiling, enthralled by the intensity of a single match.

Sumo's unique in the sense it possesses the short, high intensity qualities of HIIT workouts, but with a focus on muscle strength, not cardio.

"After one or two matches you can step away, stretch, and cheer on your friends," another member explained. "I get so much out of practice, from training my body to supporting my friends."

Sumo challenges your balance, your strength, and your coordination in ways that weightlifting in isolation doesn't achieve. And best of all? It doesn't require cardio.

"I started my fitness journey with weightlifting," another member told me. "But sumo gives me a chance to enhance my mind-body connection in a way I've never experienced before. It activates micro-muscles that are hard to train in isolation. In addition, Sumo makes me feel powerful in ways I don't otherwise get to experience — it feels good applying my strength beyond the weights."

And of course, there's the fun of it. Amidst the ritual and ceremony, sumo can be genuinely hilarious. There's no getting around the humor of nearly-naked people wrestling for glory — and Kurowashi members are the first to acknowledge that.

Kurowashi's Jared Parham, a champion wrestler, put it best:

"In addition to everything else, I like sumo because it gives me the opportunity to be butt-naked in public. I like to think I have a pretty nice butt."

Kurowashi's a place where you can push your friends around a ring, then laugh about it. Where you can train your body in new ways, and walk away each session feeling stronger. It's a place where a person of any body can find success — and more importantly, community.

Your Mawashi Belt is Waiting...

Denton is defined by its diverse, hidden communities — and Kurowashi Sumo is a part of that. Kurowashi is built on the idea that anyone can do a combat sport, so long as they have the willingness to try.

For just $55 a month, you can participate in a fitness community unlike any other — and maybe find the thing that sticks.

Curious about Sumo? At Kurowashi, first two lessons are free. You're welcome to just show up and give it a try — worst case you walk away saying you got to try it.

If you're not ready to step into the ring, you can always come watch. The Dojo has a space for spectators — anyone is welcome to sit, ask questions, and learn more about the sport.

"Being on the square, curious people pop in all the time! We love introducing people to the sport, we're no strangers to newcomers."

Whether you're curious, competitive, or just looking for a new way to move your body, there's a place for you at Kurowashi Sumo.

Kurowashi Sumo Collective practices at The Dojo on the Denton Square on Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 4:30pm. First two lessons are free. Learn more at KurowashiSumo@gmail.com.

Curious about attending their next event? Follow their instagram @KurowashiSumo for more details — and awesome sumo pics.

(This article is not sponsored by Kurowashi Sumo — we just think Denton would be better with more Sumo Wrestlers.)