Sumo Wrestling Takes the Big Apple by Storm

In a remarkable twist of fate, two New York-bred sumo wrestlers are preparing to compete in the World Championship Sumo, which will be held in White Plains on January 30th. This marks the first time the prestigious competition has ventured into the suburbs, bringing this ancient Japanese sport closer to American audiences. Josh Ortiz from the Bronx and Kofi Miller from Brooklyn represent a new wave of American sumo wrestlers who have found unexpected passion and success in this traditionally Japanese discipline. Neither man had initially envisioned sumo wrestling as part of their life journey, yet both now stand as championship contenders. The International Sumo League reports an interesting demographic trend in ticket sales: approximately 60% of tickets have been purchased by families with young children, while women account for about 40% of sales, indicating a broader appeal than one might expect for the sport.

The growing popularity of sumo wrestling has had surprising benefits for the competitors, particularly in their personal lives. Both Ortiz and Miller happily report that their participation in sumo has positively impacted their dating experiences. “Lately it’s been pretty positive! It’s always wide-eyed shock like, ‘What? You’re really doing that?'” says 39-year-old Ortiz, who weighs 275 pounds. He notes with a smile that demonstrating an ability to fight “is always a positive in a situation like that.” The 26-year-old Miller enthusiastically agrees: “It’s always worked for me! If she was already interested because I’m a big guy, then I show her I’m a really big guy! She knows I can handle myself.” Their growing celebrity status was further cemented when they appeared on “Saturday Night Live” last month—an achievement Miller finds almost unbelievable. “If you told me five years ago, ‘You’re going to be on TV and competing and doing sumo,’ I would have told you you’ve lost your mind!” he exclaims.

Miller’s journey into sumo wrestling began through a chance encounter while working as a security guard at a sports lounge in his Bed-Stuy neighborhood. A rikishi (sumo fighter) dropped off a flyer for the New York Sumo club last March, and Miller’s boss encouraged him to give it a try, saying, “You’re one of the biggest guys I know, I want you going there and show me something!” At 342 pounds, Miller had the physical presence that naturally suited the sport, but he quickly discovered a deeper connection. “I think sumo’s one of the most New York things you could do,” Miller explains. “New York is all about standing on your own two feet, and the easiest way to win at sumo is to be on your own two feet.” This philosophical alignment between his hometown values and the fundamental principles of sumo helped cement Miller’s passion for the sport, which has rapidly become a central part of his identity.

Ortiz’s path to sumo was driven more by intellectual curiosity. The Pelham Bay resident initially engaged with the sport as a spectator during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the downtime to learn about this unfamiliar athletic tradition. Two years ago, he finally stepped into the ring himself. Already dedicated to fitness, Ortiz was drawn not just to the physical aspects of sumo but to its rich cultural traditions and spiritual dimensions. “Everyone sees the belt—the mawashi—and thinks ‘Oh man, guys in diapers!’… When you start breaking down the layers, it’s a very technical, beautiful, spiritually grounded sport, and I wanted a piece of that,” Ortiz explains. He describes sumo as “super niche” but emphasizes its depth: “Everything has a purpose in the ring and everything has a purpose in our rituals.” For Ortiz, sumo transcends mere athletic competition—it represents a holistic lifestyle that combines physical prowess with mental discipline and spiritual awareness.

The upcoming World Championship Sumo at the Westchester County Center represents the culmination of growing interest in the sport across the United States. This is the fourth annual championship organized by the International Sumo League, and it promises to showcase talent from around the world, including competitors from the Republic of Georgia and Samoa. The championship offers an opportunity for American audiences to witness the sport at its highest level and for athletes like Ortiz and Miller to test their skills against international competition. Their participation represents not just personal achievement but also the successful transplantation of sumo from its Japanese roots to American soil. As these New Yorkers prepare to don their mawashi and step into the ring, they carry with them the hope of further popularizing this ancient sport in their home country while demonstrating that sumo’s appeal transcends cultural boundaries. Their journeys from curious observers to championship contenders highlight how unexpected passions can reshape lives, bringing new purpose, community, and even romantic prospects along the way.