Dynamic Sumo (Bushido--The Way of the Warrior) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Gerald J. Toff (Photographer) "Sumo is distinguished from other sports by the importance it places on ritual and ceremony..." (more)
Key Phrases: active rikishi, first rikishi, retired rikishi, Sumo Kyokai, World War, Collection of the Sumo Museum (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... the perfect guide for the rapidly growing International sumo audience...." -- The Daily Yomiuri

"Newton's historical overview is the best available in English." -- Doreen Simmons, Kansai Time Out

"The perfect introduction to the sport and its traditions." -- The Asahi Evening News

Product Description

Finally, a down-to-earth introduction to sumo that also provides the kind of intriguing little-known facts sure to satisfy the most demanding enthusiast. Each chapter contains a wealth of practical information on the sport as we know it today and insights into its history.

It is all here starting from the basics, including the rules of competition, daily life in a sumo stable, and the rituals that mark each transition point in a wrestler's career, from the welcoming ceremony for new recruits through the emotional hair-cutting that celebrates the retirement of those who have reached sumo's highest rank, yokozuna.

And there's much more--a concise history of every stable, an in-depth look at refereeing as a career, details on just how the ring is constructed, explanations of each of the seventy techniques that may be used to win a match. Sumo's history is treated in depth, as is the rise of several of today's most prominent wrestlers. Language students will also welcome the comprehensive glossary of sumo-related terms at the back.

Striking full-color photographs illustrate the text throughout and are a pleasure in themselves. They offer close-up views of the action in the ring and rare glimpses into the stables.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or an armchair spectator, Dynamic Sumo delivers a world of pageantry and color, and leaves you richer for the experience.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha International (JPN); 2nd edition (April 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4770025084
• ISBN-13: 978-4770025081
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #482,070 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Dynamic sumo, August 13, 2000

By	Mikko Mattila (Finland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dynamic Sumo (Hardcover)

Dynamic sumo is a pleasant book to read. It is a well-written introduction to the different aspects of sumo. It is a source for beginners and also for people with intermediate knowledge.

The history-section is especially good. The author has chosen essential parts of sumo`s history and spices it up with snippets of some spesific events. The descriptions of 20th century great wrestlers` careers is also included.

The photographs and drawings are high class. Photos of bouts catch the strength and skill of the wrestlers in crucial moments and some of the photos can be considered real masterpieces both in timing and angle. The written explantions are accompanied with graphical illustrations which makes it easy to follow the text.

In a nutshell Dynamic sumo is a very good book with interesting facts, good layout, excellent graphics and an ability to make one hungry for further information over the great sport of sumo.