Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Dec 9, 2020
NSSU freshman Hidetora Hanada emerges to claim amateur yokozuna title
by John Gunning
The Nippon Sports Science University student overcame a talent-studded field at Sunday's All Japan Sumo Championships, the country's top amateur sumo tournament.
Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Nov 11, 2020
Universities offer foreign wrestlers new path to pro sumo
by John Gunning
Instead of struggling to land rare stable placements directly, foreigners are instead blazing a path to the pros through collegiate and amateur sumo.
Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Apr 23, 2020
Long layoffs could prove detrimental to amateur and pro rikishi
by John Gunning
The cancellations caused by the coronavirus will likely have an adverse effect on the sumo world.
Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Dec 4, 2019
Amateur sumo lacks flair, but worthy of fans' attention
by John Gunning
As detailed in last week's column, sumo fans are divided when it comes to the kind of English language coverage they want and expect. Some would like greater explanation of basic terms and techniques, while others think there is already too much handholding of the ...
Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Oct 16, 2019
Slicker production needed for amateur sumo
by John Gunning
Typhoon Hagibis raged across Japan last weekend leaving in its wake a trail of devastation both deep and wide-ranging. Compared to the loss of life, and destruction of homes that occurred on Saturday, the cancellation or postponement of sporting events feels barely worth mentioning. A herculean ...
Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Oct 9, 2019
Innovative club nurtures sumo's young talent
by John Gunning
Komatsuryu Dojo, one of the oldest and most prestigious sumo clubs in Japan emerged triumphant at the 16th National Youngster Sumo Tournament, held at the Kokugikan in Tokyo on October 6th. It was the first title for the club located on the banks of the ...
Sumo Sep 14, 2019
by John Gunning
Broadly speaking, sumo is divided into two separate (but overlapping) sports. Professional sumo (known as ozumo or grand sumo) exists only in Japan and is by far the better-known version. It is run by the Japan Sumo Association. It is also much more than just a sport. ...
Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Jun 5, 2019
Amateur tourneys offer window to sport's future stars
by John Gunning
Asanoyama is sumo's latest champion. The Takasago stable wrestler's victory in the May tournament makes him the fourth rikishi to win a debut championship in the past six meets — something that hasn't happened in 19 years. Asanoyama is also one of four former amateur sumo ...
Sumo May 13, 2019
by John Gunning
What do Takakeisho, Tochinoshin and Mitakeumi have in common, apart from recently becoming first-time winners of the Emperor's Cup? The answer, of course, is that all three joined professional sumo after success in the amateur ranks. The first two won medals at the Junior World Championships, ...