Sumo education happens at multiple levels, from school clubs to professional training systems.
School sumo in Japan: Many Japanese elementary, middle, and high schools have sumo clubs (sumo-bu). The Japan Sumo Federation (distinct from the JSA professional body) oversees amateur competitions including school tournaments. Some high schools, particularly Nippon Sport Science University High School, have produced numerous professional wrestlers.
University sumo: Several Japanese universities have strong sumo programs. The university system has become an important pipeline — wrestlers who distinguish themselves at university level can enter professional sumo at makushita tsukedashi rank, bypassing years of lower-division competition. Aonishiki trained at Kansai University before turning professional.
International sumo clubs: The International Sumo Federation has member organizations in over 80 countries. In Mongolia, dedicated sumo academies (distinct from traditional Mongolian wrestling schools) have developed professional talent. In Ukraine, Aonishiki began sumo at age 7 at a facility that combined judo and sumo training.
Professional training (heya): Once a wrestler joins a professional stable, their entire education is conducted within the heya system. There is no external 'sumo school' for professionals — the stable IS the school, with senior wrestlers and the master providing all instruction.