Rōnin 0 Posted November 9, 2011 Hello everyone, I'm rather new to sumo as a sport so I ask that you please bear with my ignorance as I may use incorrect jargon or verbage when I post here. First off, I am 40 year old male from northern Virginia near Washington DC. My first real exposure to sumo was during my first trip to asia when visiting my fiance's family in the Philippines. It was the November tournament of 1999, twelve years ago. I was mesmerized by the whole ritualistic art of the sport and could not take my eyes off the television. Here in the states it's almost impossible to watch sumo. I can remember in the past ESPN played a half hour show once, but I don't think they even do that anymore. What they did show was only the actual wrestling, none of the pagentry or rituals before, after and leading up to each bout - certainly no keikos or fighter interviews. Anyways, I have been searching for a way to watch sumo and found the "GOO grand sumo home page" and it's live streaming of each and every bout! Awesome! (I know that I'm probably really showing my ignorance about this and it's probably been around for years, but it was like finding gold for me personally cause I never knew it was there). I was able to catch the tail end of the last tournament in September and now I'm really ready for the one coming up this weekend right from the start! Sumo is totally unheard of for most on the east coast of the USA, and most of my friends think I'm really weird for watching what they call "asian fat dudes in diapers". I try to tell them there is much skill, martial art and history behind the sport and that if they would take their heads out of their asses and actually watch, they might appreciate it for what it is. They still call me weird, but that's ok because I will relish in a great sport and wallow in my weirdness. -Ron Woodbridge, Virginia USA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Washuyama 641 Posted November 9, 2011 Welcome to the forum! As an American that was introduced to sumo when I was a child (my father was in the military and we were stationed in Japan in the 70s), I understand the looks and comments received from other ignorant Americans. Also, please ask any questions as a good number of people on this forum know more about sumo than most Japanese. To help your learning, I suggest using the links at the top of the page as references. As you learn, you'll probably want to add the "Sumo Reference" link to your Favorites as it is without peer. Again, welcome! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jejima 1,406 Posted November 9, 2011 Welcome to the forum. We all learn lots here (Showing respect...) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fay 1,677 Posted November 9, 2011 Welcome to the forum! (Showing respect...) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rōnin 0 Posted November 9, 2011 Welcome to the forum! As an American that was introduced to sumo when I was a child (my father was in the military and we were stationed in Japan in the 70s), I understand the looks and comments received from other ignorant Americans. Also, please ask any questions as a good number of people on this forum know more about sumo than most Japanese. To help your learning, I suggest using the links at the top of the page as references. As you learn, you'll probably want to add the "Sumo Reference" link to your Favorites as it is without peer. Again, welcome! Welcome to the forum. We all learn lots here (Showing respect...) Thank you so much for the warm welcome! I am very excited to learn and have been studying mainly from two sites before I found this one. I checked out the links last night and really like the "sumo references" website! Due to my increased interest, I have been reading various news over the past couple of months, and it seems like I have come to the world of sumo at a dramatic time! I understand about the "fight fixing" scandals and how they cancelled the earlier basho. Now I understand most of the top wrestlers are foreigners (mongolians, eastern europeans, russians, etc) Just astounding! Now I read about this ex-yokazuna stablemaster Naruto dieing so shortly after being accused of abuse. Fascinating! =>http://ajw.asahi.com/article/sports/sumo/AJ2011110916972 I know it must be heartbreaking for both the fans and the Japanese in general to have such terrible scandals reak havok on a sport that was already having a hard time grabbing the new generation. I'm glad I was spared the misery but I sympathize with all of you guys and the long time fans. But I have to tell you - I can't wait to get started! Count me in! Just one last question before I become, just another ordinary member - is there any place where you can view the tournament AFTER the day's bouts? I work at night which is perfect on my days off for watching live in Japan, but I am going to be working this weekend and will be unable to tune-in until Monday. I would like to at least watch the sanyaku bouts when I get home. Thanks... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Randomitsuki 2,831 Posted November 9, 2011 Just one last question before I become, just another ordinary member - is there any place where you can view the tournament AFTER the day's bouts? I work at night which is perfect on my days off for watching live in Japan, but I am going to be working this weekend and will be unable to tune-in until Monday. I would like to at least watch the sanyaku bouts when I get home. Thanks... Hi Ron, and welcome to the Forum! (Showing respect...) In the last two or three bashos, Kintamayama was so kind to post bout videos as a compilation on this Forum (see here for instance). The quality of the videos is often shaky, but the quality of Kintamayama's quirky comments and little in-jokes is always top-notch. Maybe he will continue to provide this excellent service, so we all keep our fingers crossed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fujisan 533 Posted November 9, 2011 Hello everyone, I'm rather new to sumo as a sport so I ask that you please bear with my ignorance as I may use incorrect jargon or verbage when I post here. I've been into sumo for close to 20 years and I still know nothing about it.. :-S Welcome to the forum Ron.. (Hugging...) Chuck in your salt (Showing respect...) and join the fray... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rōnin 0 Posted November 9, 2011 (edited) Welcome to the forum! (Showing respect...) Thank you kind sir. In the last two or three bashos, Kintamayama was so kind to post bout videos as a compilation on this Forum (see here for instance). The quality of the videos is often shaky, but the quality of Kintamayama's quirky comments and little in-jokes is always top-notch. Maybe he will continue to provide this excellent service, so we all keep our fingers crossed. Awesome thanks! I've been into sumo for close to 20 years and I still know nothing about it.. :-S Welcome to the forum Ron.. :-S Chuck in your salt (Hugging...) and join the fray... Thank you! Edited November 9, 2011 by 1971Rōnin_USA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fay 1,677 Posted November 9, 2011 Welcome to the forum! (Showing respect...) Thank you kind sir. I'm a lady, even when some don't think so (Hugging...) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rōnin 0 Posted November 10, 2011 Welcome to the forum! (Showing respect...) Thank you kind sir. I'm a lady, even when some don't think so (Hugging...) whoops, my bad! I thought that avatar was a picture of you and your beautiful lady! :-S Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fay 1,677 Posted November 10, 2011 Welcome to the forum! (Holiday feeling...) Thank you kind sir. I'm a lady, even when some don't think so ;-) whoops, my bad! I thought that avatar was a picture of you and your beautiful lady! :-D Thanks ;-), no it's a pic of me and my rikishi number 1 Sekiwake Kakuryu Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
