JAB

Thanks for the response bro, but you kind of avoided the question. I did not compare to any "sport." I compared (and only as a point of reference) Sumo to other martial arts. Many traditions have religious / spiritual practices, Sumo is not the only one. Can you suggest such books? I have found very little in English. I do apologize for what some of you may deem silly or ignorant, but the last I checked forums such as these are not meant for the elitist to chat, but also for newbies like me to ask questions and get opinions. I am very curious about the art of Sumo as a whole indeed! So the members of the YDC oversee the Soken? Is the performance of a Rikishi at the Soken taken into consideration when they select the Yokozuna at the next Basho? Can the YDC deny a Rikishi participation of they feel they are too injured, or porrly prepared? Are the YDC part of the Ministry of Education? Thanks Jake (In a state of confusion...)

I am curious to hear opinions regarding the evolution of Sumo. I understand that perhaps their is more of a cultural tie to the martial art of Sumo then with other martial systems, but none the less most martial arts, lets take Brazilian JiuJitsu for example, tend to evolve over time as new techniques are created, and new strategies are used. So has (and if so, how) Sumo evolved over the hundreds of years it has been around? I understand that 12 techniques were added to the list of allowed throws a while back. Are rikishi limited to what is on that list? Can specific rikishi devlope specific "games" per se, such as certain BJJ players are known for their guard game, or their takedowns, or arm bars? So at Soken is one of the goals to show everyone what you are good at, and what you are working on? I am just curious if you guys feel Sumo has become stagnant because of its lack of evolution, or if you feel this is what makes it fascinating. Some traditions are beautiful and wonderful as they were developed and remain that way throughout time. Some arts evolve and change over time and that in turn is what makes that art beautiful and fascinating. Thanks Jake (In a state of confusion...)

Kaiguma, Thank you for the great explanation! First question; what is the NSK? So in Soken do all Rikishi (I think that means wrestlers right?) participate? Do all the stables come to one big stable and just train? What is the purpose of this? To share knowledge? There is a term I know from the martial traditions of Japan; Juku. As I understand it, basically it means a gathering place for the express purpose of sharing knowledge. Is this similar? You mention a communal society, so in this regard do all stables support the next? Knowing what little I do of the Japanese culture I find it hard to believe their is no competition involved (In a state of confusion...) Thanks guys, Jake (In a state of confusion...)

Harry, Thanks. I would not hold my breath if I were you though! Jake (In a state of confusion...)

Thanks. I took Japanese in HS though. Embarrisingly enough I barely remember "Ohaio" Jake

I apologize for not knowing the official title, but where does the tradition of allowing the little wee ones wrestle the big boys come from? Thanks Jake (Sign of approval...)

Kaikit... Not sure how to read your post bro (Eh?) What I mean is, do they have to stay in Japan at their stable? Do all pro Sumo have to be centered in Japan? For instance does Asashouryu have to stay in Japan, or could he train in Mongolia if there was a suitable stable to train at? Follow up question for this is; What constitutes a professional stable? I have no intention to go pro, but I have become increasingly interested in amatuer Sumo. I have done martial arts for over 17 years, and though I have seen Sumo before, it is only recently I have become infatuated with it. I am actually thinking about hosting some cats from Cali up here (Seattle) for a seminar if we can work it all out in the near future. Stay tuned, as I will post here if such an event takes place! Sorry if my questions are basic, but so is my understanding (Sign of approval...) Cheers Jake (Smoking pipe...)

So no "legal" ways to view next months Basho? I am not one to give a rats butt about laws, so anyone have any sites where I can watch the Basho for free? Feel free to email me. I looked into TVJapan here in Seattle, and it was $25 extra a month!!! WAY TOOOOO pricey IMO. That is why I was stoked when I found his Youtube channel thing. Thanks Jake (Sign of approval...)

So do Sumo need to stay in Japan all the time? Thanks, Jake (I am not worthy...)

Wish I could have been there :-) Got stuck going to a wedding with the ol' lady! Perhaps to fill more seats next time lower ticket prices a bit. I spoke with some friends in LA who said they would have goneif it was affordable. How often does something like this happen in the US? Thanks Jake :-/

Thanks guys. I start to drown in the wash of names you all throw around, but I appreciate the insight into Sumo. Thanks for your patience answering my basic questions. Warning: more to come! Cheers Jake (In a state of confusion...)

Is there a limit to how many Yokozuna their can be at one time? Thanks Jake (I dunno...)

Thanks guys. Sounds like lots of politcal BS, am I wrong? Win's speak for themselves where I am from. So if it only takes two main basho victories to win, how many does it take to get demoted? Thanks Jake (Jumping in ecstasy...)

How does one "run" for promotion? I thought it was all based on performance in the main Basho? Thanks Jake (Jumping in ecstasy...)

Tsunotari means what exactly? Thanks Jake (Jumping in ecstasy...)

Congrats to him! Great fights all around! Cheers Jake (I am not worthy...)

For some reason I could not start a new post in the "Sumo Information" so I will post it here, admins move if appropriate. So I have been slowly reading as much as I can on Sumo (can't find tons in English, but some good stuff. Went to the Grand Sumo Homepage and cut and paste all the info I could fine on the rules, techniques, and customs of Sumo into a word doc that is MUCH easier to read, even at 50 pages!!), so please excuse my general lack of ignorance but.... I have heard/read that the Tachiai is the single most important aspect of the match. The Tachiai alone can dtermine the victor etc. So I have a bevy of questions concering this: -Why? What is so important about it? - I have looked, but found nothing much on the strategy, and/or technique of the Tachiai. Any help? - What are the basics of the Tachiai? I am contemplating doing some Sumo for fun in the near future, but have no schools by me. Any help with training the Tachiai solo, and with training partners? For something so important I am basically just interested in hearing / reading /seeing what their is on this most important aspect of Sumo. Thanks guys! Jake (I am not worthy...)

Thanks guys! I will sift through tonight after training! Jake

Where does one find video of the current Sumo Basho? I cannot afford Japan TV, and I am not sure where to find video coverage of the Basho?? I thought someone here would post it, but I have not seen anything to the liking. Any help? Thanks Jake (Neener, neener...)

:-) Thanks all for the warm welcome! I plan on searching around the forum a bit before hitting you all with repititious questions. BTW where in gods green earth did you all get so many emoticons??? Cheers Jake :-)

Asafan - Alas I am not fluent in French, but thank you. Looks awesome! Love your avatar, I use it as a wallpaper, and WAS going to use it for my avatar... :-( Thanks guys, Jake

Good posts all, and Kotoku I totally agree with you! I was wondering why Asashoryu did not have a link in the featured Rikishi area? I am new, so if I am missing something, my bad. Cheers Jake :-(

I am new to the forum, and my name is Jake. I post as JAB. I have been doing martial arts for over 17 years now, and have always liked Sumo, but have just recently become seriously interested in learning more about this ancient art. I live in Seattle, where to the best of my kowledge there is no Sumo locally. I have a number of questions I would like to post, but it will not let me post in the areas I need to. Any help in this regard? Thanks Jake :-(