JAB

Thank you so much! What is the KK though? Thanks Jake

Hey all. I was wondering if I could get some help... I have a friend visiting Japan in the next week or so, and I wanted to see if she could find the extremely detailed figurines of professional Rikishi. I have no clue what they are called, nor where to even send her!? Any help in this regard is greatly appreciated! Are there Sumo "shops" or can these things only be found at Basho? I am not sure what cities she will visit. Sorry to be so vague. Thanks for the help! JAB

130 kilo's at 14!?!?!?!? Seriously, that is nothing to be applauded, she needs to get some help! Good on the girls for getting on the Dohyo and giving it 100%! Jake

Thanks Kuro. Yeah it is a shame some of us actually get off of our lazy, fat asses and do something other than act like experts on a forum eh :-)

Oh, wow! I guess I totally missed that one! Thanks! Why the change? Jake

I apologize if I missed it elsewhere, but is Ama not in this Basho?? Thanks Jake

Great posts! Keep it coming guys. I have been curious about this as well. Jake

Speaking of which how are the matches made each day of Basho? Is a computer program used? Draws name out of a hat? What is the procedure? Thanks Jake

I will be happy to slap the crap out of any fool who protest's! I am just grateful for all you do!!! Cheers Jake (Doing a wave...)

I've had Kingfisher before. Perhaps not the "strong" variety. Good stuff! I hoist a Stella in your direction sir, and wish you the best of life in the upcoming year(s)! Cheers Jake

I thought it was hard to get ahold of booze in the UAE? ;-) We don't get those cool beers over here (Singing drunk...) Never heard of Navigator!?!?

Well Harry I saw a mention of it on a National Geo blurb about Sumo. They did not offer the charachters so I cannot be of much help there. Thanks though, Jake

Can someone explain "Sumokan" to me please? I heard it refers to training the sixth sense or something along those lines!?!? Thanks Jake

Thats great!! Thanks!

Viki - Thanks so much! That was great. You are very fortunate. It seems that their is usually only one Dohyo in each stable!? I imagine space is very, very expensive to rent in most of Japan, but is that the reason? No I have not seen those videos, but thanks. I will check them out. Agreed practice can vary I am sure. But again, just trying to strike up an interesting conversation from those of you who have been and can offer experiences they have had. Cheers and Happy Whichever Holiday you Celebrate! Thanks again Viki! Jake

Thanks! I will look through them. I guess I was just wondering the specifics of how practice is run is all. I know many of you have had the fortune to watch practice live so I was hoping for some insight from those who know, but it looks like few actually know. Thanks Jake

I am no expert, but white rice and beer are pretty much going to have the same affect on the body. Empty calories basically from sugar. So what is the process of forming a "Sumo body"? Obviously not just throwing on adipose weight I assume!? Thanks Jake

Thanks so much! Beautiful pics! The dojo (I assume that is what they call the training hall??) is GORGEOUS!!!! I am ignorant about any of it, so every little bit helps. Interesting that many supplement their training with weights as well. So are most practices informal? Meaning no one really leads the class in X amount of Shiko, X amount of squats etc.? Thank you and happy holidays! Jake

Nanami - So what is the "truth?" Beautiful bird! The Arabs are still very much interested in Falconry eh? Probably some of the only people that can afford the time and money! What kind are you holding? Jake

Seriously!? No one??

Kofuji - Are you a falconer? Milk is not really very good for adults to ingest. Not that beer is, but it has less "unnatural" stuff in it. Plus it tastes better!!

Oh, thanks.

Thank you. WOW! Impressive!

What Rikishii has the best Shiko? Is there anyone who can get the leg just about vertical? I am looking for a good pic of one, does not matter who the Ozumo is. Thanks Jake

So in professional Sumo how are the various stable training sessions ran (in general)? Are there head coaches, assistant coaches, strength coaches? What is a typical practice like? I know there is an emphasis on Shiko, and general stretching. It seems the basic "conditioning" (outside of wrestling practice) is squats. Anything else? Do coaches speak of strategy? Just curious what it would be like to be a fly on the wall in most Japanese stables. Thanks Jake