Level 1 — Assistant Coach (Shidō-in, 指導員)
Assistant Coach is the first of British Sumo's three coaching levels. Certification is run by British Sumo, not by EnglandSumo; EnglandSumo encourages and supports coaches in England — see sumo coaching levels for the full three-level framework.
An assistant coach works alongside lead coaches during keiko (稽古, practice sessions), helping to grow the sport from the ground up — often teaching new recruits (shin-deshi, 新弟子) the fundamentals.
Last updated: 2026-09-22.
Take the requirements with you to practice: printable Level 1 checklist — tick items on screen, then print or save as a PDF.
1. Mandatory qualifications and certifications
- Internal training: complete the internal training programme designed for Assistant Coaches.
- First Aid: complete Basic First Aid training, including internal emergency-response training aligned with UK Coaching's Duty of Care in Sport framework.
- Safeguarding: obtain UK Coaching Safeguarding Course certification or equivalent recognised training.
- Practical experience: accrue active experience in sumo classes and instructing beginners under supervision.
2. Core technical competencies and knowledge
- Rules and etiquette: understand basic sumo rules, ring etiquette, the significance of the tachi-ai (立ち合い, initial charge), and dohyō (土俵, ring) standards.
- Fundamental techniques: demonstrate proper form in core sumo movements, including shiko (四股, leg stomping) and teppo (鉄砲, pushing exercises).
- Safety and welfare: understand basic sports safety protocols, risk assessment, injury prevention, and safeguarding policies.
- Communication: master beginner-focused communication and motivational coaching techniques.
3. Key operational responsibilities
- Assist lead coaches during keiko (practice sessions), with focus on instructing shin-deshi (新弟子, new recruits).
- Oversee warm-up and cool-down routines focusing on flexibility, mobility, and injury prevention.
- Uphold inclusivity, respect, and sportsmanship in accordance with UK Coaching's Code of Practice.
- Report athlete welfare concerns in alignment with UK Safeguarding Standards.
How Level 1 is proposed and approved
Assistant Coach candidates are proposed to the British Sumo board through EnglandSumo rather than applying directly. An existing coach or an EnglandSumo official gives your name to the EnglandSumo executive, who adds an agenda item to the next British Sumo board meeting to approve the coaching certification.
Level 1 is the level that can be proposed in advance of all the criteria above being met — for example before the First Aid training is complete. Once British Sumo's board approves, you convert to an EnglandSumo coaching membership, which gives access to the first aid training, DBS checks and safeguarding education you still need, plus coaching insurance.
Ask an existing coach or an EnglandSumo official to propose you, or email info@englandsumo.com .