Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion

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 this debut episode, we're kicking things off with an exciting preview of the upcoming sumo tournament. As we dive into the anticipation and excitement surrounding the Basho, we’ll introduce you to the key contenders and rising stars to watch out for.

We'll also share our personal journeys and what drew us, as Westerners, to the world of sumo. Hear our stories of discovery, the moments that hooked us, and why we believe sumo has something special to offer to sports fans everywhere.

Join us as we kick-off "Basho Simplified." Our first ever podcast. Let’s step into the ring together!

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. Additionally, we’ll tally our predictions from earlier episodes to see how well we did. Who had the most accurate picks, and who’s buying the drinks? Tune in to find out and share in the fun of our friendly competition.

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!

In Episode 4 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," Joe is flying solo to bring you an in-depth recap of the action-packed opening days of the July Basho! Join him as he reviews the highlights and key moments from Day 1 and Day 2 of the top division, offering blow-by-blow accounts of the most thrilling matches.

From stunning upsets to dominant performances, Joe breaks down the bouts that set the tone for the rest of the tournament. He’ll share his opinions on how the top rikishi are faring and which wrestlers have caught his attention with their impressive (or disappointing) starts.

Tune in for an engaging solo recap of the opening days of the July tournament. Let's break down the Basho together!

In Episode 3 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," the excitement is building as we count down to the upcoming tournament just four days away! Join us as we delve into the latest news and updates, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying Basho.

We’ll share our predictions for the tournament, highlighting the rikishi to watch and potential upsets that could shake up the rankings. Will the May Champion retain the title, or will a dark horse emerge to steal the spotlight? Tune in to hear our thoughts and analysis.

To add an extra layer of fun, we’re introducing a friendly wager between us hosts. Who will make the most accurate predictions, and what’s at stake? Listen in to find out and maybe even get some ideas for your own sumo betting pool with friends.

Get ready for a spirited and insightful discussion as we gear up for the tournament. Whether you’re looking for expert analysis or just a bit of sumo banter, this episode has something for every sumo fan. Let’s get hyped for the Basho together!

In the second episode of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we’re responding to your feedback with a deeper dive into the world of sumo wrestling. Building on our introduction from Episode 1, we’ll take you on a journey through the rich history of sumo, tracing its roots from ancient Japan to the modern era.

Ever wondered how a sumo match unfolds? We’ll break down the mechanics of a match, from the pre-bout rituals to the explosive action on the dohyo. Learn about the techniques, strategies, and rules that make each bout a thrilling contest of strength, skill, and strategy.

Additionally, we’ll explore the hierarchical structure of sumo, explaining the different divisions and ranks that rikishi strive to ascend. From the ranks of the jonokuchi division to the elite Yokozuna, discover what it takes to rise through the ranks and achieve greatness in the sumo world.

Join us for this informative and engaging episode as we continue to simplify sumo and bring you closer to the heart of this captivating sport. Whether you’re a new listener or a returning fan, there’s always more to learn and appreciate about the world of sumo!

In Episode 15 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we turn our attention to the newly retired Ozeki, Takakeisho. Known for his explosive pushing-thrusting style and fierce competitive spirit, Takakeisho's rise to Ozeki was a testament to his resilience and determination. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of his career, from his meteoric rise through the ranks to his battles with injuries that ultimately shaped his journey. We’ll reflect on Takakeisho’s most memorable matches, his path to multiple yusho wins, and the challenges he faced in reaching (and maintaining) sumo’s second-highest rank.

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.

Join us as we analyze the form of the top rikishi, the emerging storylines, and the wrestlers making waves this tournament. Who’s exceeding expectations, who’s struggling, and what can we expect as we head into the final days? We’ll share our predictions for the second half and look at how the competition is shaping up.

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 Episode 16 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we delve into the remarkable career of Kisenosato, a rikishi whose journey to the top captured the hearts of sumo fans across Japan and beyond. From his early days as a promising up-and-comer to his historic promotion as the first Japanese-born Yokozuna in nearly two decades, Kisenosato’s story is one of resilience, loyalty, and immense national pride.

We’ll explore his battles with rivals, his rise through the ranks, and the years of near-misses and hard-won victories that defined his career. Join us as we recount his dramatic yusho wins, the intense expectations he carried as Yokozuna, and his unforgettable rivalry with the legendary Hakuho. We’ll also examine the challenges and injuries that ultimately shaped the twilight of his career and his lasting impact on the sport.

In this special "Sumo 101" episode of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we dive into the fascinating world of the gyoji, the referees of sumo who play a vital role in the ring. More than just officials, gyoji are guardians of tradition, steeped in ceremonial duties and a history as old as sumo itself.

In this episode of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we dive into our predictions for the November basho! With fresh rivalries brewing and exciting rikishi set to step into the ring, we’ll break down the wrestlers to watch, our expectations for top contenders, and who might surprise us in this month’s tournament.

Join us as we analyze the current rankings, discuss how recent injuries and training might impact each rikishi’s performance, and make our calls on who has the best shot at the yusho. We’ll also share our picks for dark horses, speculate on any potential shake-ups in the sanyaku ranks, and set a friendly wager on our predictions.

In this pre-tournament episode of Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion, we look ahead to the first Basho of 2025 and all the excitement it promises to bring. With intense rivalries brewing and top-ranked rikishi poised to make their mark, we analyze the banzuke and discuss the key storylines to watch as the tournament approaches.

The biggest question on everyone’s mind: could this Basho see a historic Yokozuna promotion—or even a double promotion?

In the second part of our deep dive into the career of Taiho, we explore the pinnacle of his legendary reign as Yokozuna and the enduring legacy he left behind. Beginning in 1968, Taiho solidified his position as one of the most dominant rikishi in sumo history, adding to his unprecedented yusho tally and setting records that would stand for decades.

Join us as we discuss his unmatched consistency, the challenges he faced both on and off the dohyo, and how injuries began to take their toll.

In the first installment of our two-part deep dive into the career of Taiho, one of sumo’s greatest Yokozuna, we explore the early years of his extraordinary journey. Born Koki Naya in 1940 on Sakhalin Island during a turbulent time in history, Taiho’s path to the dohyo was shaped by resilience, natural talent, and an unshakable determination to succeed.

Join us as we trace his rise from a promising young rikishi to the cusp of his dominant reign.

In Episode 20 of Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion, we honor the life and career of Tamanoumi, the 51st Yokozuna, whose rise to greatness was as swift as it was unforgettable. Known for his exceptional technique, speed, and strategic brilliance, Tamanoumi captivated the sumo world during his time on the dohyo.

We’ll recount his journey from his early days as a promising rikishi to his rapid ascent to Yokozuna, highlighting his most iconic matches and the rivalries that shaped his career. But Tamanoumi’s story is also one of heartbreak, as his untimely passing left the sumo world mourning a champion whose potential was never fully realized.

In Episode 19 of Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion, we journey back in time to explore the remarkable career of Kotozakura, the 53rd Yokozuna. Born in Kurayoshi, Tottori Prefecture, Kotozakura climbed the ranks with sheer grit and unwavering determination, becoming one of the standout rikishi of his era.

From his early days to his reign as Yokozuna, we’ll uncover the key moments that defined his career. Join us as we discuss his signature fighting style, his fierce rivalries, and the impact he left on sumo both on and off the dohyo.

In Episode 18 of Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion, we unpack all the action from the November basho! From intense bouts and unexpected upsets to the wrestlers who dominated the dohyo, we’ll recap the most thrilling moments of the tournament and reflect on how it all played out.

Join us as we analyze the final standings, discuss standout performances, and highlight the rikishi who exceeded expectations—or fell short. Did our predictions come true? Who claimed the yusho, and how will this basho impact the rankings heading into the next tournament?

In this special deep dive episode of Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion, we celebrate the incredible career of Terunofuji, who recently announced his retirement. From his early days as a promising young rikishi in Mongolia to his rise to sumo’s highest rank, Terunofuji’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

We’ll recount the triumphs that defined his dominance on the dohyo, the devastating injuries that nearly ended his career, and his awe-inspiring comeback that saw him reclaim the rank of Yokozuna against all odds. With a legacy marked by resilience, determination, and an unyielding spirit, Terunofuji leaves behind an indelible mark on the sport.

In this episode of Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion, we review all the excitement and drama from the January 2025 Basho—a tournament filled with thrilling upsets, standout performances, and pivotal moments that set the stage for a new era in sumo.

The title of Yokozuna is more than just sumo’s highest rank—it is a symbol of strength, honour, and tradition. But what does it truly mean to hold this title? How is a Yokozuna chosen, and what expectations come with the rank?

In this episode of Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion, we explore the origins of the Yokozuna rank, the symbolism behind the sacred rope, and the immense pressure that comes with the role. Join us as we break down the history, responsibilities, and legacy of sumo’s ultimate warriors!

The dust has settled, and the March Basho has delivered yet another thrilling tournament full of intense battles, unexpected upsets, and standout performances. In this episode, we break down all the key storylines—from the yusho winner’s path to victory to the wrestlers who exceeded expectations and those who fell short.

With the March Basho just around the corner, excitement is building as the sumo world braces for another thrilling tournament. Will the newly promoted Yokozuna live up to expectations? Which Ozeki are fighting to keep their rank, and who might be on the rise?

Konishiki wasn’t just a dominant force in sumo—he was a trailblazer. As the first foreign-born wrestler to reach the rank of Ozeki, he shattered expectations and paved the way for the international rikishi who followed. But his career was also marked by controversy, with speculation over whether he was denied a Yokozuna promotion due to his foreign roots.

In this episode of Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion, we dive into the career of Konishiki, from his rise through the ranks to his lasting impact on the sport. Was he the best wrestler to never become a Yokozuna?

The stage is set for the Natsu Basho, and the stakes couldn't be higher. With new faces climbing the banzuke, veterans clinging to their ranks, and the yusho race wide open, May promises fireworks on the dohyo.

Will the next Yokozuna contender emerge?

In this episode, we unravel one of the most infamous sagas in sumo history — the turbulent career of the 60th Yokozuna. From his rapid rise through the ranks to his historic and controversial downfall, we explore how the Japan Sumo Association’s most regretted Yokozuna promotion shook the foundations of the sport

The 2025 Natsu Basho is in the books, and history has been made. In this episode, we break down all the action from a thrilling May tournament that saw the birth of the 75th Yokozuna. From top division clashes to rising stars in the lower ranks, we cover the key moments, upsets, and standout performances that defined the basho. What does this promotion mean for the future of sumo? And who else made their mark this tournament?

Step into the ring with Asahifuji—a Yokozuna whose career was marked by quiet strength, technical brilliance, and a reign that often gets overlooked. From his rapid rise through the divisions to the battles that defined his era, we break down what made Asahifuji a force to be reckoned with—and why his legacy still echoes today. Plus, we explore the transitions from wrestler to stablemaster and how he shaped the future of sumo long after hanging up the mawashi.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the career of Harumafuji, one of the most dynamic and agile Yokozuna in modern sumo history. From his humble beginnings in Mongolia to his rapid ascent through the ranks, Harumafuji was known for his lightning speed, technique, and fighting spirit despite being one of the lightest rikishi at the top level. We explore his major victories, his time as Yokozuna, and the legacy he built in the ring—before discussing the shocking incident that abruptly ended his career and left the sumo world reeling.

The sun’s out, the salt’s flying, and it’s time to gear up for the Nagoya Basho! In this episode, we break down everything you need to know ahead of July’s tournament — who's hot, who's hurt, and who’s just here to make things very interesting.

Before the wrestlers step onto the dohyo and the gyoji raises his fan, someone has already been hard at work—building the ring, calling the names, beating the drum, and keeping the whole tournament running smoothly. In this Sumo 101 episode, we shine a spotlight on the Yobidashi: the heralds, craftsmen, and stagehands of the sumo world.

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 shook the banzuke, we break down who rose, who fell, and who left us shouting “ZEN-SAIGAI!”

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 unforgettable bouts, the iconic lifts, the struggles with injuries, and the resilience that defined his career.

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, and who might shock us all.

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 banzuke to the rikishi who fought their way into the spotlight, we look back at the triumphs, the struggles, and everything in between.

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 break down all the drama, dominance, and dohyo dust from the final showdown of the sumo calendar

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 explore the struggles, triumphs, and cultural barriers he overcame along the way.

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 performances, the shock upsets, the late-basho surges, and the “what on earth was that?” moments.

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 gain, and the ones already under pressure. From promotion hopes and redemption arcs to early predictions and bold takes, we set the stage for what could be a pivotal start to the sumo year.

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 us, and the bouts that quietly shifted the balance of power. From statement performances to hard lessons learned, we look at who emerged stronger, who stumbled, and which performances hinted that the next chapter of sumo may already be taking shape, whether we’re ready for it or not.

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 record-breaking grand champion, we explore how discipline, reinvention, and sheer willpower turned him into “The Wolf.”

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 the sport.

We take a close look at the Yokozuna duo of Hōshōryū and Onosato, the unstoppable momentum of Aonishiki, and the san’yaku hopefuls trying to force their way into the conversation. We also dive into the dangerous mid-maegashira pack: the veterans, the dark horses, and the chaos agents who could blow the whole leaderboard apart.

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 violence against the entire concept of expectation.

We break it all down in the only way we know how:
Overreactions, under-qualified analysis, and the occasional moment of actual insight buried somewhere in the nonsense.

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 Nationals, his first amateur tournament, and we couldn’t not treat it like the biggest basho of the year.

A full basho preview. Overanalysis. Questionable takes. Probably a bit of bias.

We break down Lewis’ bouts from the day, the explosive starts, the chaos, the lessons learned, and the moments where things actually started to click. There’s controversy, there’s head impacts (don’t worry, he’s fine… probably), and there’s a very honest look at what it means to step into your first tournament against more experienced opposition.

This time it's only one idiot with a microphone, trying to make sense of something much bigger.

Except this time, it’s personal.

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 Sumo Basho, Hōshōryū trying to finally deliver a proper Yokozuna performance, Kirishima returning to Ōzeki, and Atamifuji stepping into a career-high rank with a target painted firmly on his back.