SOS - Shinjinrui on Sumo Chris Gould Chris sinks his teeth into how sumo can go about pulling in the younger fans - currently so noticeable by their absence. The first of a three-part series. Sumo World Championships Mark Buckton Mark Buckton reports from Sakai near Osaka, site of the latest Sumo World Championships. Rikishi of Old Joe Kuroda Joe Kuroda finishes off his look at former yokozuna Minanogawa. Sumo 101 / Eric Evaluates Eric Blair Eric expains sumo fan terminology - with the inevitable twist - for those just getting into the sport and still subject to the know it alls. Age stands still for no man Joe Kuroda Former ozeki Kiyokuni will retire in November under the compulsory '65 and you are out' rule. JK takes a look at this quiet earth mover. Feel the Sumo Eduardo de Paz Read and feel the renowned Leonishiki's passion for all things sumo at his first live event. SFM Interview Mark Buckton Mark interviews Colin Carroll - again - Irish star of Sakai. Photo Bonanza See the Aki Basho bonanza as well as the largest collection of pics you are likely to see on the Sumo World Championships earlier in October. Aki Basho Summary   Lon Howard Lon wraps the September Aki Basho and throws in some henka sighting results for good measure. Lower Division Rikishi   Mikko Mattila The lower divisions, their members and results get the once over thanks to Mikko's eye of things 'beneath the curtain'. Kyushu Ones To Watch   Carolyn Todd Carolyn shares her thoughts on whom to keep an eye on in Fukuoka. Kimarite Focus Mikko Mattila Mikko's latest clarification of several of the sport's plethora of kimarite. Amateur Angles   Howard Gilbert Howard Gilbert - manager of New Zealand's amateur sumo team takes a look at the approaching Russians. Kokugi Konnections   Todd Lambert Click on Todd's bimonthly focus on three of the best sumo sites online. Fan Debate   Facilitator - Lon Howard Jesse Lake and Rich Pardoe hammer out their differences on a current furor - promotion criteria. SFM Cartoons    Benny Loh & Stephen Thompson In this issue's cartoon bonanza, sit back and enjoy Benny Loh's offerings and put a caption to Stephen Thompson's picture to win yourselves a banzuke. Sumo Odds ’n’ Ends    SFM's interactive elements including Henka Sightings, Elevator Rikishi and Eternal Banzuke! Lets Hear From You   What was it that made you a sumo fan? Kevin Murphy reveals all. Readers' Letters   See what our readers had to say since we last hit your screens. Sumo Quiz    The Quizmaster Answer the Qs and win yourself next basho’s banzuke.

using the term ‘place’ as opposed to Blarney-heya proper indicates a need to be accepted – often used by those with few or no social contacts. RF13 – Blarneyama was there (oftentimes meaning at another stable when Blarneyama was on degeiko) - Probably the most accurate RF but often used casually as if said rikishi came over to acknowledge RF speaker / forum poster or as if RFer was so busy he only briefly noticed the presence of the rikishi in question when in fact he photographed every shiko Blarney did! How to spot an RFer: They recommend you visit their new homepage at:  www.blarney.com    They have RF printed on the sleeve of every T-shirt they own – the main chest area is reserved for an image of  Blarneyama – often ironed on. RF tattoos are being sketched in preparation. Given RFer’s place of residence –

anywhere in Tokyo (for extreme RFers eastern Japan) is stated as ‘Ryogoku’ when mentioned in conversation or online.   Internet language used by RFers – seen when flogging the physical fruits of their RFing): IL (Internet Language) RF1 – Rare – there are no others for sale this week but once this has gone, I’ll wait a week and flog another. ILRF2 – Original – looks old. ILRF3 – Genuine – the guy I bought it from said it is. Action to be taken when encountering an RFer Without removing your eyes from the eyes of the RFer in question, walk slowly backwards – do not turn your back. Garlic and the odd crucifix may help but if the RFer starts moving forward again, hit them with the old chestnut “So, when is your book due out you

RFing Blarney stalker you!?” as this one liner carries the power of mace in an easy to pronounce package. Recommended for non-native-English speakers. Amidst the gripes of ‘no time’ / ‘still looking for a publisher’ / ‘market dead’ / ‘Internet killed the publishing star’,  RFer will involuntary retreat leaving you with the chance to make a dash for it. Ganbatte, but before you leave and head off to another, more serious article, did I ever tell you the time I was at Hakuho’s place and after I came out, while I was chatting with the Miyagino lads about XXX, Ama came along and I heard from him that XXXX? Photos will follow soon. Ed. Note:  The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of Mr. Blair and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sumo Fan Magazine or other staff. Home