Waikato Sumo Club members Dwight Rawson (left) and Filipo Chanel Tovio (right) are fighting for the ancient sport in New Zealand. Photo: Supplied
The ancient sport of sumo mixes tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals - and is of course synonymous with Japan. But there is also a small sumo scene here in New Zealand led by a small stable of amateur wrestlers.
Manawatu-based Filipo Chanel Tovio is the two-time Oceania Heavyweight Champion. Filipo has achieved this after only taking up Sumo within the last two years and is aiming to be at the Azerbaijan World Championships in 2026. After deciding to start competing, Filipo reached out to Waikato Sumo Club - a Hamilton-based grassroots sumo club led by Dwight Rawson.
Together, along with a stable of fellow amateurs, Filipo and Dwight are fighting for sumo in New Zealand and have big dreams. They speak to Kathryn Ryan.
Sumo wrestler Filipo Chanel Tovio (right) is the two-time Oceania Heavyweight Champion. Photo: Supplied
