Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathaniel Hudson.
Hi Nathaniel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In high school, I loved anime and became fascinated with Japan and its culture. In college, I took a 3-week “Maymester” to study in Japan, and it was there that I saw live Sumo in Tokyo. Fast forward to 2022, and I attended the World Games held in Birmingham, AL to watch an international sumo tournament. I was able to meet and connect with leaders of the US Sumo community, which inspired me to start my own club.
As a teacher at Antioch High School, I began with a Sumo club for students. Soon, I found other adults who were interested, and we held a Sumo Demonstration at the high school in October of 2022. The adults went on to form the Tennessee Sumo Association.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Challenges include overcoming misperceptions about sumo, such as it being limited to naked fat men in Japan. Sumo is for all sizes, ages, and genders. We currently have 8 women registered for our next tournament.
As a small, niche martial art, we don’t yet have the ecosystem of non-profit and for-profit organizations working together to promote Sumo. But that is beginning to change, and I’m happy to be a part of it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The mission of the Tennessee Sumo Association is to promote the practice, competition, and history of Sumo.
The Tennessee Sumo Association was founded in 2022 after hosting a sumo demonstration at Antioch High School. Since then, the organization has grown into a competitive team, participating in regional and national tournaments while also organizing demonstrations and competitions. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting Japanese culture through sumo, TN Sumo offers year-round training and welcomes participants of all ages, genders, and body types.
Interested in training? Sumo practices are held every Sunday at 2 PM at Shawn Hammonds Jiu Jitsu Academy (2909 Armory Dr, Nashville, TN 37204) under Head Coach Thomas Griffin.
The Tennessee Sumo Association is proud to announce the return of the Third Annual Sakura Cup to the Music City Fit Expo on Saturday, June 6th at the Nashville Fairgrounds.
After two successful years and drawing 50-60 competitors each, the Sakura Cup has become the most exciting amateur sumo event in the region. Featuring Men’s, Women’s, Youth, and Teams divisions, spectators will be treated to a unique display of strength, skill, and tradition. Fans will witness heart-pounding fights between wrestlers who demonstrate not only athleticism, but a respect for Japan’s oldest sport and its traditions.
Spectators can now purchase tickets to the Music City Fit Expo at musiccityfitexpo.com, where access to the Sakura Cup is included as part of the full expo experience. The Music City Fit Expo is the premier fitness event in Nashville, uniting athletes, fitness brands, and health enthusiasts for a TWO-day celebration of strength, wellness, and innovation.
Athletes interested in competing can register now at smoothcomp.com. With divisions open to all experience levels, the Sakura Cup continues to welcome both seasoned competitors and newcomers looking to step into the ring.
Event Details:
Third Annual Sakura Cup
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Music City Fit Expo
Nashville Fairgrounds
Spectator Tickets: musiccityfitexpo.com
Competitor Registration: smoothcomp.com
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We want more people to come try Sumo! Join us on Sundays at 2 pm at Shawn Hammonds Jiu Jitsu.
What we may provide to business partners:
Business name on back of event t-shirts
Big donors get name on our annual club t-shirt or on official club gear
(VIP) tickets to our flagship tournament, the Sakura Cup Sumo Tournament
Social Media spotlights
Shout-outs during live-streaming of our events
For any business partners interested in sponsoring our events: Every sponsor will be listed on the back of the event t-shirt that each competitor receives, we will frequently mention them at the event and on the livestream, and we plan to have sponsor names on banners. Here are some donation categories:
$1000 Venue fee
$1000 Awards
$1000 Judge’s compensation
$500 Signage and banners
$500 Feeding volunteers
Pricing:
- Spectators: $25 admission to the Music City Fit Expo to witness the 3rd Annual Sakura Cup Sumo Tournament
- Competitors: $50 by Sunday, May 31 to sign up for the Sakura Cup
- Coming to Sumo practice? First visit is free. Then $10 drop in fee per visit. $35 per month for membership
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tnsumo22
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/tnsumo22
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tnsumo
