How Did Florida Sumo Get here?

Founded in 2017 by Cornelius Booker in Panama City, Florida, Florida Sumo Club has grown from the Panhandle to Central Florida with training hubs in Panama City Beach and Orlando. In that time, our athletes have earned two U.S. national titles, and our dohyo has welcomed champions from across the United States and abroad.

Our mission is simple: bring the spirit, discipline, and tradition of Japan’s national sport to the Sunshine State. Whether you’re chasing medals or stepping into the ring for the first time, you’ll find world-class coaching, a welcoming community, and authentic sumo culture. Join us for keiko, learn real sumo fundamentals, and help us grow the sport across Florida.

Meet the Sumotoris

We have built and nurtured amazumo rikishi from the ground up to create one of the most elite learning staff in the sport of sumo in the United States, Please take a moment to familiarize yourself our experienced and friendly staff.

  • Founder Of Florida Sumo

    Cornelius Booker is a two-time U.S. National Champion and the founder of Florida Sumo, one of the premier sumo organizations in the Southeast. Over his competitive career, Cornelius has not only won national titles but has also placed in the top three across four different weight classes, showcasing his rare versatility and deep technical knowledge of the sport.

    As a pioneer of American sumo, Cornelius has been instrumental in bringing the sport to the forefront of the Southeastern United States. Through his dedication, Florida Sumo has grown from a local club into a regional hub that has hosted athletes from across the country and the world.

    Beyond his own accomplishments on the dohyo, Cornelius has invested his time and energy into mentoring and supporting the growth of sumo clubs nationwide. Many teams and athletes across the U.S. trace part of their development back to his guidance, encouragement, and leadership.

    Today, Cornelius continues to compete, coach, and inspire—working to expand sumo’s presence while carrying forward the traditions, values, and community spirit that define the sport.

  • Coach and Chapter Leader Orlando

    Alex Santana is one of the chapter leaders for Florida Sumo’s Orlando location, bringing with him a strong athletic and coaching background. With over three years of experience in sumo, Alex has quickly become a respected leader within the club.

    Before stepping into the dohyo, Alex was a Division II dual-sport athlete in football and track & field (specializing in discus and hammer). Beyond competing, he has also built an impressive coaching résumé, including leading a team to a national championship victory in 2017 and helping over 32 former players reach all levels of college football.

    Alex’s passion now lies in applying his coaching expertise to sumo—helping athletes unlock their full potential, whether they are stepping into the ring for the first time or are seasoned competitors. His goal is simple: to get the very best out of every sumotori he works with and continue building the strength of the Florida Sumo community.

  • Coach and Chapter Leader Orlando

    Dustin Hawkins is one of the chapter leaders for Florida Sumo’s Orlando location, where he plays a key role in developing the next generation of sumotori. With over five years of dedicated experience in sumo, Dustin has risen to become one of the top Canadian wrestlers competing in the sport today.

    What makes Dustin’s journey especially inspiring is his background—he came into sumo with no prior experience in any other sport. Through relentless hard work, discipline, and passion, he has transformed himself into one of the top-ranked sumotori in the Southeastern region.

    Dustin brings a fresh outlook and unique perspective to the sport, showing that anyone with determination and dedication can excel in sumo. His leadership and example continue to motivate both new and seasoned wrestlers alike.

  • Advisor and Coach

    Wakanohō Toshinori, known in professional sumo as the first European-born wrestler to ever reach Japan’s top division, is now serving as an advisor to the Florida Sumo Club. With his experience competing at the highest level of the sport in Japan, he brings unmatched knowledge, insight, and authenticity to the club.

    Today, Wakanohō has shifted his focus from competing to coaching and teaching, dedicating himself to the development of sumo outside of Japan. His mission is to raise the level of sumo in the United States while helping build bridges for the sport at an international scale.

    Through his mentorship, athletes at Florida Sumo—and across the U.S.—are gaining access to a depth of training and cultural understanding that few outside Japan have experienced. His work represents a new chapter in American sumo, one that blends tradition, high-level competition, and the drive to grow the sport worldwide