TOKYO >> A sumo coach has been warned by the Japan Sumo Association for beating three of his wrestlers with a golf club.

Sumo coach Kasugano visited the JSA on Wednesday after it was revealed he hit three of his wrestlers for ignoring his instructions to wear kimonos when going out.

The wrestlers were reportedly beaten in the abdomen and the back last Friday, Kyodo news agency reported. A golf iron with a broken grip was found at Kasugano’s training facility.

The 49-year-old Kasugano is a former wrestler who reached the third-highest rank of sekiwake, competing under the name Tochinowaka.

The incident is the latest in a string of scandals that have hit Japan’s ancient sport in recent years.