The Big Book of Sumo: History, Practice, Ritual, Fight (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Being half Japanese and exposed to Japanese culture at an early age really had nothing to do with my interest in sumo..." (more)
Key Phrases: makushita division, tate gyoji, dohyo matsuri, Nagoya Basho, Hawaii Pro, Ryogoku Station (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Something to offer for every fan." -Russ Mihara, NHK Sumo Commentator -- -Russ Mihara, NHK Sumo Commentator

"Something to offer for every fan." -Russ Mihara, NHK Sumo Commentator -- Review

"This book is simple and easy to understand. If you like sumo, you gotta get it!" -Konishiki, Hawaiian-born sumo star -- -Konishiki, Hawaiian-born sumo star

Product Description

Whimsical line drawings make The Big Book of Sumo the most user-friendly sumo guide available. Super sumo fan Mina Hall covers all aspects of the sport, including its history, traditions, training methods, stable life, rankings, fighting holds, and judging. Designed as an introduction to sumo, the book contains charts, photographs, and diagrams that will be of interest to aficionados as well. Featured are maps to the training stables plus information on how to be a spectator and where to eat and stay near the main sumo arena in Japan.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Stone Bridge Press (June 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1880656280
• ISBN-13: 978-1880656280
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #370,402 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great little "Big Book of Sumo", August 5, 2001

By	"fatweasel" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

As a begining Sumo wrestler, who trains with 2 time World Lightweight Sumo champ Svetoslav Binev, I really liked this book. I found "The Big Book of Sumo" to be an awesome little book on the history and tradition of Sumo.

Unfortunately, it has nothing on the actual techniques used from the standpoint of a competing wrestler. Only descriptions of some names of common techniques from a fan's perspective.

Never-the-less, it's a great little "Big Book of Sumo." Don't get this book if you are looking for more than a very general description of sumo technique. Do get this book if you want to understand the art, history and tradition of Sumo.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Getting up to speed on Sumo, April 22, 1999

By	Dwight Wood (SD USA) - See all my reviews

I have been interested in Sumo, but was lost in understanding of the sport. Mina Hall not only knows her stuff, she is able to relay it in terms that are understandable. Now I have a new love for the sport from this easy book. The content of Hall's book is enough to make me feel like I know the sport. No longer will I wonder why they do those things before,during, and after the match. While I have read other books on the subject this is by far the best. Get it and learn Sumo.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very readable book, June 30, 1998

By A Customer

Author Mina Hall, who is half American and half Japanese, combined the best of both worlds to produce a very readable and user friendly book on Sumo.

A recommended book for new sumo wrestling enthusiasts.