Learn Arithmetic the Right Way: Building True Number Sense

Struggling with math fundamentals? The Japanese abacus (soroban) method teaches arithmetic through visual understanding, not rote memorization. Instead of memorizing formulas and tricks, you'll develop true number sense—seeing how numbers actually work together. This deep understanding makes all mathematical operations intuitive and builds a foundation for lifelong mathematical thinking. Perfect for children learning math, adults filling knowledge gaps, and seniors keeping their minds sharp.

📚 How Long to Build Understanding?

3-6 months: Solid foundation in arithmetic basics
6-12 months: Deep number sense & confidence
1-2 years: Complete mastery of fundamentals
Practice needed: Just 15-20 minutes daily

🎯 Who Benefits Most?

Children (4-13): Build lifelong math foundation
Teens & Adults: Fill gaps, gain confidence
Seniors (60+): Maintain cognitive health
Everyone: Understand math, don't just memorize

Why Abacus Builds Better Math Understanding

Visual

True Number Sense

See how numbers actually work together, not just memorize answers

2x

Brain Engagement

Activates both left & right hemispheres for deeper learning

Lifelong

Foundation for All Math

Understanding supports algebra, geometry, and beyond

How Our Program Teaches Arithmetic Fundamentals

1

Visual Number Representation

Learn how numbers are represented visually on the abacus. Understand place value (ones, tens, hundreds) through concrete bead positions. This builds foundational number sense that makes all arithmetic operations logical.

2

Master Addition & Subtraction

Learn the proper techniques for combining and separating numbers. See how numbers relate to each other visually. Understand regrouping (carrying/borrowing) naturally, not as a confusing rule.

3

Understand Multiplication & Division

Build on your addition/subtraction foundation to truly understand what multiplication and division mean. See patterns and relationships that make these operations make sense, not just memorized tables.

4

Develop Problem-Solving Confidence

Apply your deep understanding to solve real math problems. Build confidence knowing you understand WHY answers are correct, not just HOW to get them. This foundation supports all future mathematical learning.

🧠 Abacus Training for Seniors: Keep Your Mind Sharp

Age is no barrier to learning. Abacus training provides seniors with cognitive stimulation, mental exercise, and the joy of mastering a valuable skill.

✓ Cognitive Health Benefits

  • Improves memory and recall abilities
  • Enhances concentration and focus
  • Promotes neuroplasticity (new brain connections)
  • May help delay cognitive decline

✓ Mental & Emotional Benefits

  • Builds confidence through achievement
  • Provides meditative, calming practice
  • Social connection in group learning
  • Sense of purpose and daily routine

"Learning abacus at 67 has been wonderful. My memory has improved, and I enjoy the mental challenge. It's never too late to learn!" - Margaret, Retired Teacher

Most Asked Questions About Learning Arithmetic

Is abacus good for seniors and older adults?

Yes! Abacus training is excellent for seniors. It provides gentle cognitive exercise that improves memory, concentration, and mental agility. Research shows that learning abacus in later life promotes neuroplasticity (brain's ability to form new connections) and may help delay age-related cognitive decline. Many seniors find the practice meditative and enjoy the mental challenge. Plus, mastering a new skill at any age builds confidence and keeps the mind active.

Why is visual learning better than traditional arithmetic teaching?

Traditional methods rely on memorizing rules without understanding WHY they work. Visual abacus learning lets you SEE mathematical operations happening. When you see 7 + 5 on the abacus, you physically watch the transformation, understanding the process. This builds intuition and number sense that memorization never achieves. Students can then apply this understanding to new problems, not just repeat memorized patterns.

Do I need to buy a physical abacus?

Our platform includes a digital abacus that works on any device. While some students enjoy using a physical abacus at home, it's not required. The digital version provides the same visual learning benefits and is perfect for practicing anywhere, anytime.

Can this help if I've always struggled with math?

Absolutely. Many students who struggled with traditional math teaching excel with abacus because it replaces confusing abstract rules with clear visual logic. If you never understood WHY math works, the abacus makes it click. You're not bad at math—you just needed a method that works with how your brain actually processes information.

OUR PROGRAM

All You Need To Master Arithmetic

Mental Math Icon

Mental Calculations

Learn to visualize numbers and calculate in your head!

Abacus Training Icon

Soroban

Master arithmetic in 6 simple steps using Japanese abacus.

Calculator Skills Icon

Math Facts

Memorize the multiplication table and all of your single digit facts!

Competition

Flash Anzan and other useful tools to help you learn and compete.

Student learning with digital abacus

Our Content

See Examples Of Each Level

The content of SumoMath soroban and mental programs is created to provide a succession of incremental math challenges to ensure students continue to achieve success with sustained effort. The result is increasing student confidence, ability to focus for longer time periods, and most importantly increased desire for self-learning. SumoMath program aims to produce motivated students willing to take on new challenges and self-learn, continuing their learning journey wherever it may take them.

Skill Training

Skill Training is where all students begin their abacus training. The 6 Great Insect Masters: Beetle, Ladybug, Spider, Bee, Grasshopper, and Dragonfly each introduce 1 new abacus skill or bead mechanic. Once learned, students will posses the abacus skills to solve any addition or subtraction problem with confidence and accuracy. Click on the images below to learn more about each skill.


Level Training

Level Training is a managed progression of 10 levels of increasing math challenges including advanced multiplication and division, decimal and negative numbers. Each level presents a new math challenge requiring the student to continue advancing their computational and conceptual math skills for both speed and accuracy.

Abacus Soroban Teachers - Join Our Platform

Teachers

Inspire and Motivate...
Transform Teaching with SumoMath.com!

Expand your reach and teach more students with ease, in person or online. Students practice at home and use class time for guidance, corrections, and encouragement—just like the Kumon model. While software provides all the learning materials, handles quiz and homework grading, progress tracking, and other repetitive tasks, it is just a tool and can’t replace the vital role of teachers. Your expertise and connection are essential to inspire, guide, and create the community needed for long-term success.

  • Innovative Teaching
    Allow each student to progress at their own pace, offering support when needed, while focusing on group activities to keep them engaged and motivated
  • Smart Business
    Manage unlimited students and classes, collect payments, track individual and group progress in real-time, analyze performance data for insights and improvement, monitor participation rates, generate detailed reports on student achievements and areas for growth
  • $1/Student/Month
    No franchise fees, no contracts, no costs for books or worksheets, no unnecessary paperwork or manual tracking, and no time wasted grading student work
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STUDENT PRICING PLANS

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Customer Reviews

What People Say About Us

Student Testimonial - Hannah

I never thought I was good in math, but I can do THIS!

Hannah

1st Grade Student, LAFSD
Parent Testimonial - Mark

This week for the first time I have seen my son being really proud of himself and so scientifically excited, because of his scholarly achievement with your math program. It happened for the first time in his life. I am so thrilled and thankful!

Mark

Parent of a 3rd Grader
Teacher Testimonial - Karen

The first day I introduced the program, my students worked nonstop for 45 minutes, pushing themselves, cheering, and wanting more... Without reservation and with much enthusiasm I highly recommend this program to everyone passionate about teaching...

Karen

3rd Grade Public School Teacher, WCSD

Questions and Answers

Some Of The Frequently Asked Questions

Take a look inside SumoMath platform

Take a look inside...

1 How old do you have to be?

This math program is for anyone ages 3 to 93, wanting to improve their arithmetic skills, develop mental calculation or simply improve their brain functions.

Building amazing mental calculation capabilities with both speed and accuracy is what it's all about!

2 What do I need to get started?

Just register to become a free subscriber, or purchase a monthly or annual subscription.

For Mental Calculations and Soroban programs you will also need a Japanese abacus called soroban. We strongly recommend experiencing SumoMath on a smartphone using our digital abacus, but you can also use your own physical device, which you can purchase anywhere on the web.

3 Gift of Math?

Purchase a one year subscription to SumoMath.com for someone you care about. From age 4 to 94, this gift will make a difference...

At the time of purchase, you will be able to send a personal note, which will be emailed to the recepient of the gift along with the details and instructions.

4 What is Coaching, and do I need it?

Our program is extensive and multi-dimensional. One can easily keep training on it for years. It was designed for older students to learn on their own, and for parents of younger kids to have all they need to assist.

Coaches add another layer to our program, to help you be most effective and efficient on your learning journey. Practitioners themselves, our expert coaches will spot and point out the little easily-missed details that will often make a huge difference in your training, keep an eye on your finger mechanics, guide you on the best ways to use our program and software, and just provide some extra motivation...

Coaching sessions are once a week for 20 minutes on Zoom. At the time of subscription creation, you will be able to request day and time that works best for you. If we are unable to match that time, we will offer some alternatives. Feel free to email us before subscribing to determine the schedule. You can subscribe just for a month to help you get started, or have a recurring weekly meeting for the student to look forward to, achieve goals and attend to difficulties.

We are here to help if you need us!

Contact Us

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  • Office Location

    Walnut Creek, Ca
    United States

  • Phone

    +1(925)247-8403

  • Email

    admin@sumomath.com