Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion

In Episode 14 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we take a deep dive into the incredible career of Akebono, the first foreign-born rikishi to achieve the rank of Yokozuna. Join us as we explore the journey of this Hawaiian-born powerhouse, from his early struggles in Japan to his historic rise to the top of the sumo world.

We’ll discuss Akebono’s unique style, his most iconic matches, and the fierce rivalries that defined his career. Beyond the dohyo, we’ll also delve into Akebono's surprising post-sumo career, which saw him transition into unexpected fields such as professional wrestling and MMA. His decision to pursue new challenges after retiring from sumo added another layer to his already fascinating legacy.

In Episode 13 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we break down the thrilling conclusion of the September basho! Join us as we recap the final days of the tournament, spotlighting the most memorable moments, championship-deciding matches, and rikishi who left their mark.

We’ll dive into the standout performances, from unexpected dark horses to the top contenders, and analyse how the basho’s outcomes could impact the sumo landscape going forward. Did our predictions pan out, and who emerged victorious in the race for the yusho?

In this episode of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we bring you a mid-tournament catch-up on the September Basho! With the action in full swing, we’ll recap the most exciting matches, unexpected upsets, and standout performances that have already defined the first half of the basho.

In Part 2 of our deep dive into the legendary career of Hakuho, we pick up in 2010, right as the sumo world faced one of its biggest scandals. Despite the turmoil surrounding the sport, Hakuho emerged stronger than ever, solidifying his reign as the most dominant Yokozuna in history.

Join us as we discuss Hakuho’s unparalleled run throughout the 2010s—breaking records, setting new standards, and becoming the undisputed Greatest of All Time. We’ll explore his triumphs, the challenges he faced, and how he continually adapted his style to remain untouchable in the ring. We’ll also delve into his role as a leader, mentor, and ambassador for sumo, even as he dealt with injuries and the shifting landscape of the sport.

In the first part of our deep dive into the career of sumo legend Hakuho, we explore the meteoric rise of a rikishi who would come to redefine the sport. Join us as we trace Hakuho’s journey from his humble beginnings in Mongolia to his early days in the sumo stables of Japan, where his extraordinary talent quickly became undeniable.

We’ll cover his rapid ascent through the ranks, the fierce rivalries that shaped his early career, and the moments that solidified his status as a Yokozuna. By 2010, Hakuho was not just a champion, but a dominant force, rewriting records and captivating fans around the world.

However, just as he was reaching the pinnacle of his career, a storm was brewing in the sumo world—one that would challenge everything he had achieved. Tune in to this first instalment as we set the stage for the dramatic events that would follow in Part 2.

In Episode 9 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we’re excited to bring you our first deep dive, focusing on the extraordinary career of one of sumo’s most controversial and dominant figures, Yokozuna Asashoryu. Join us as we explore the life, legacy, and impact of the Mongolian-born rikishi who shook up the sumo world.

From his rapid ascent through the ranks to becoming the first Mongolian Yokozuna, fierce rivalries, and the unique blend of skill, power, and charisma that made him a fan favourite and a formidable force in the ring. We’ll also discuss the controversies that marked his career, examining how they shaped his legacy in the sumo community.

In Episode 8 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we bring you our final reflections on the thrilling conclusion of the July basho. Join us as we analyse the last days of the tournament, celebrate the standout performances, and discuss the dramatic moments that defined this Basho.

Episode 7 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we’re taking a more relaxed approach with a casual catch-up session to review the last three days of the July basho. Join us as we kick back and discuss the exciting developments and key moments from Days 5 to 7.

We’ll share our thoughts on the standout performances, surprising upsets, and evolving narratives that have kept us on the edge of our seats. From impressive victories to unexpected defeats, we’ll cover all the action and provide our insights on how the tournament is shaping up.

We do want to apologize in advance for a slight technical issue—due to a mic problem, Joe's audio is a bit thumpy. We had to improvise, but we hope it doesn’t detract too much from your listening experience.

In Episode 6 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we come together to analyse and discuss the July Basho after an eventful Day 4. Join us as we review the standout moments, surprising upsets, and dominant performances that have defined the tournament so far.

Despite some issues with internet connection and a slight delay, we're excited to bring you our insights and reflections on the progress of the top rikishi. We’ll assess their performances and speculate on what the next days might hold. Who’s emerging as a potential yusho (tournament) winner? Who needs to regroup and come back stronger? We’ll share our thoughts as we dissect the action up to this point.

Our discussion will also highlight the evolving storylines and key battles that are shaping the Basho, providing you with a comprehensive and engaging recap. Whether you’ve been following every match or just tuning in, this episode offers a thorough and lively analysis of the tournament’s first four days.

Join us as we navigate the twists and turns of the July Basho—let’s break it all down and look ahead to the excitement yet to come!