Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion

The Natsu Basho of 2026 had everything. A Yokozuna withdrawal on Day 2. An Ozeki sliding into kadoban status. Controversial henkas. Rising stars announcing themselves on the biggest stage. And one of the most...

The salt is ready, the clay has been swept, and once again it’s time for the most dangerous part of any basho… two idiots with microphones pretending they understand momentum. This week we preview the May 2026 Grand...

The salt has settled, the clay’s been swept, and we’re looking back at a tournament that had everything. Yokozuna drama, Ōzeki heartbreak, surprise runs, questionable decisions, and at least one rikishi who chose...

The salt’s down, the family’s gathered, and for the first time ever… we’re doing a basho preview for someone we actually know. This is a surprise episode, because today Lewis steps onto the dohyo for the English Sumo...

The clay is packed, the salt is ready, and another tournament is about to begin. In this episode we break down the storylines heading into the upcoming basho and look at the rikishi who could shape the next chapter of...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the extraordinary career of Chiyonofuji, one of the most dominant and recognisable Yokozuna in sumo history. From a lightweight prospect battling injuries and doubt to a...

The dust has settled on the dohyo and the January Basho is in the books. In Episode 44, we break down everything that defined the Hatsu tournament, the moments that lived up to the hype, the storylines that surprised...

A new year, a fresh banzuke, and the first basho of the season is almost upon us. In this episode, we preview the January Basho, breaking down the key storylines heading into the tournament, the rikishi with the most to...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the remarkable career of Takamiyama, the man who changed sumo forever. From his beginnings in Hawaii to becoming the first foreign-born rikishi to win a top-division yūshō, we...

The salt has settled, the clay’s been swept, and Kyushu has officially closed the curtain on another wild year of sumo! In this episode, we break down everything that actually happened on the dohyo, the standout...

The ring has been consecrated one last time for 2025! In this episode, we dive into the final tournament of the year, the Kyushu Basho. With promotion hopes, redemption arcs, and late-year surprises on the line, we...

The September tournament has wrapped, and what a ride it’s been! In this episode, we break down all the key matches, the biggest surprises, and the stories that defined the Aki Basho. From the drama at the top of the...

The dohyo is set, the matchups are looming, and the drama is about to unfold, Aki Basho is here! In this episode, we break down the storylines heading into the September tournament: who’s in form, who’s on the ropes...

In this episode, we dive deep into the story of Tochinoshin, the Georgian titan who won fans worldwide with his sheer strength and unshakable spirit. From his early days on the dohyo to his rise to Ozeki, we revisit the...

The sun wasn’t the only thing scorching in Nagoya—this basho brought the fire! In this episode, we dive into all the drama, delight, and dohyo dominance from July’s tournament. From surprise contenders to injuries that...