The Level Change Podcast

The current form of the UFC and MMA, in general, leaves a lot to be desired for some and for that contingent of contingent of fans, you have options. Allow us to introduce you to Sumo, the national sport of Japan. Even with Japan's heavy investment and success with baseball, Sumo still captures the attention of millions.

Sumo history

Sumo's origins go back millenia. That's right, folks, it's been practiced for more than a thousand years. As a matter of fact, it has roots going all the way back prehistoric paintings, with first written accounting of it occurring in 712. Wikipedia notes this:'The first mention of sumo can be found in a Kojiki manuscript dating back to 712, which describes how possession of the Japanese islands was decided in a wrestling match between the kami known as Takemikazuchi and Takeminakata.'

Admittedly, I wasn't a big follower of Sumo until our coverage of it began, but after the glut of watered down Apex cards the UFC force feeds us, it was easy to let my wandering eye rest on something I'd been overlooking. Perhaps you're looking for a little action on the side, or maybe even a whole new sports obsession. Either way, we've got you covered.

Thank you for listening to The Level Change Podcast. This post is public so feel free to share it.

If you've noticed, Bloody Elbow has invested coverage in Sumo for quite some time thanks to Tim Bissell, one of our amazing managing editors. I spent some time with Tim recently to learn more about it, and even recorded it for those who'd like to learn more. We plan on doing more of these to take new fans on a continuing journey of the ancient art.

Did you know?

Did you know there have only been 73 yokozuna in the more than 1000-year-history of the sport? The current leg of the Grand Tournament of Sumo, the natsu basho (summer series), features the 73rd yokozuna for the first time this year when 31-year-old Terunofuji competes. Terunofuji is coming off double knee surgery this past October, so it will be interesting to see how he holds up.

Did you know that the athletes are insanely athletic and limber despite their enormous size? And for the record, Sumo wrestlers don't come in enormous. They strive to put that weight on and use it advantageously in the ring. Their careers generally only last until the mid thirties, at which point carrying all that weight invariably catches up with them. Many immediately begin shedding their excess pounds as soon as they retire.

Chapter 1

In this first chapter, Tim takes us on a crash course of Sumo. Some of the things you can expect to see are as follows:

* Brief history

* Rules

* Living quarters

* Daily regimen

* Terminology

* Perks and benefits

* Controversy

Listen up!

You can listen to the entire episode here with no paywall for bonus content. If you have specific questions you'd like us to address, please let us know in the comments. And don't forget, paid Substack subscriptions are the best way to support our work and show us that you believe in what we’re trying to do in the combat sports space. So many Bloody Elbow listeners have pledged to support our work so far. Will you be next?

The Level Change Podcast is a listener-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

We’re still also found on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, Simplecast, TuneIn, Overcast, Castbox, Castbox Premium, Podchaser, Podvine, Podbay.fm, RSSRadiom AntennaPod, Podkicker, Podkicker Pro, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, iHeart Radio, SiriusXM, Pandora, Stitcher, PodcastApp, PocketCasts, Player.fm, PodCruncher, thisMMAlife.com, Podbean, Podtail, Owltail, Listen Notes, & iVooxApp. Also coming back to Castro, Podcast Addict, Podtail, Owltail, Podbean, Chartable, imdb, podtoppen.se, Podcast Republic, DownCast, iCatcher!, Castaway, Castaway2, & BeyondPod soon!

Follow

Follow us as @BloodyElbow on twitter, facebook, instagram, and at BloodyElbow.Substack.com & BloodyElbowPodcast.Substack.com. Follow Stephie on Twitter @CrooklynMMA and Victor @VicMRodriguez. Thanks for Listening!

A brief history of Colby Covington

Colby Covington has been a polarizing figure for several years, garnering both followers and detractors for his political takes and trash talk. After Leon Edwards defended his title successfully against Kamaru Usman this past March, UFC president Dana White announced that Covington would be the next contender for the we…

Jessica Andrade, a brief history

Jessica Andrade has been a UFC staple for just shy of a decade. She made her debut on July 27, 2013 against Liz Carmouche at bantamweight at UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Moraga, logging a loss in that effort. She'd go on to win her next three fights, defeating the likes of Raquel…

Is BKFC our new savior?

For the second week in a row, the UFC is putting on another watered down card. If you thought last weekend's card was a dud, UFC Vegas 72 is even worse. Even before it was ravaged with fight cancelations and late notice replacements, it was only carrying a single ranked fight and that was the headliner. Even the headliner was a la…

This weekend has several combat sports events running, but the UFC Vegas 71 card is not the best among the bunch and it's not even close.

Episode 240: UFC Kansas City Preview

* UFC 287 Rewind

* UFC Kansas City select fights preview

For our paying subscribers, we have a special treat for you. With our latest The Level Change Podcast Substack, you get some EXCLUSIVE BONUS CONTENT right away – stay tuned after the break for THE REST OF THE SHOW (accessible only to paid subscribers), featuring extra…

Episode 239: UFC 287 Preview

* Dustin Poirier making his commentary debut

* Cormier says 'there's good" in Jon Jones

* Colby's 'brain injury' according to Masvidal

* Paul Heyman digs at Conor McGregor's life expectancy

* Eddie Hearn a big fan of Conor McGregor after meeting

* UFC 287 preview

For our paying subscribers, we have a special treat for you today! With the lates…

EPISODE 238 - Tuesday Edition

* WWE to merge with UFC to form a super-company

* Dana White's statement on the merger

* Vince McMahon's statement on the merger

* Triple H to receive $5M bonus, Nick Khan receives $15M bonus with merger

* Conor McGregor already gearing up for a crossover

* Jeremy Stephens calls out Conor for boxing match

* Darren Till anticipating boxing next

B…

EPISODE 237 — Friday Edition

* Hasbulla the Abuser

https://www.mmamania.com/2023/3/29/23661104/midnight-mania-internet-outraged-viral-video-hasbulla-mistreating-cat-animal-abuse-ufc-espn

* Dana White Claims Power Slap Getting Sanctioned “everywhere”

https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2023/3/30/23662305/dana-whites-claims-that-power-slap-is-getting-sanctioned-everywher…

EPISODE 236 — Tuesday Edition

Donald Cerrone inducted into UFC HOF

https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2023/3/25/23656757/donald-cowboy-cerrone-inducted-into-hall-of-fame-at-ufc-san-antonio

UFC San Antonio Rewind

https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/96078-ufc-fight-night

Perez reveals seizure led to fight cancellation

https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2023/3/26/2365…