Level 2 — Lead Coach (Fukushisho, 副師匠)
Lead Coach is the second 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.
A lead coach runs a heya (部屋, stable) or training group independently — planning and delivering full programmes and mentoring the coaches around them.
Last updated: 2026-09-22.
1. Mandatory prerequisites and certifications
- Level 1 prerequisite: hold Level 1 Assistant Coach certification or provide proof of equivalent experience.
- Lead Coach training: complete the internal training programme tailored for Lead Coaches.
- Advanced First Aid: hold an advanced first-aid qualification (for example Emergency First Aid in Sport, aligned with UK Coaching Standards).
- Youth safeguarding: complete UK Coaching Safeguarding & Protecting Children qualification (required if coaching youth athletes).
- CPD commitment: demonstrate active commitment to Continuing Professional Development through workshops and peer review sessions.
2. Advanced technical competencies and knowledge
- In-depth technical mastery: comprehensive knowledge of sumo rules, advanced kimarite (決まり手, winning techniques across force-outs, throws, trips, lifts, arm locks, etc.), and tactical strategies.
- Athlete development frameworks: apply Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles to design progressive, athlete-centred training plans.
- Independent leadership: strong organisational skills to structure and run training sessions for all skill divisions, from jonokuchi (序ノ口, entry-level wrestlers) upward.
- Performance evaluation: evaluate athlete mechanics, match strategies, and deliver constructive performance feedback.
- Mentorship and inclusion: mentor Level 1 coaches while upholding ethical standards, equity, and duty of care.
3. Key operational responsibilities
- Independently manage and lead a sumo heya (部屋, stable) or designated training group.
- Develop and implement comprehensive training programmes tailored to diverse skill levels.
- Instruct and demonstrate advanced techniques and tactical sumo play.
- Mentor Assistant Coaches (Level 1) by offering structured feedback and growth guidance.
- Ensure equal access and inclusive coaching practices across all training activities.
How Lead Coach is approved
Like every level, Lead Coach certification is approved by the British Sumo board via the EnglandSumo board: an existing coach or EnglandSumo official proposes you to the EnglandSumo executive, and EnglandSumo adds an agenda item to the next British Sumo board meeting. Once approved, you convert to an EnglandSumo coaching membership.