SOS - Shinjinrui on Sumo Chris Gould Chris sinks his teeth deeper into how sumo can go about pulling in the younger fans in part two of a three-part series. Azumazeki up close and personal Steven Pascal-Joiner / William Titus A wiz with a pen and a wiz with a lens get together with SFM to share their time with Azumazeki Oyakata - Takamiyama as was - with the wider sumo following world. Rikishi of Old Joe Kuroda Joe Kuroda takes a detailed look at the life and times of a former yokozuna forgotten by many - Maedayama. Eric Evaluates Eric Blair Eric calls the musubi-no-ichiban kimarite call on nakabi in Kyushu as perhaps only he could. Heya Peek Jeff Kennel First time heya visitor Jeff Kennel wrote about, photographed and even made a video of his time spent at Arashio Beya prior to the Kyushu Basho. All to be found within. SFM Interview Mark Buckton Mark interviews Russian up and comer Wakanoho of Magaki Beya. Photo Bonanzas See behind the scenes at the Kyushu Basho, morning training in Arashio Beya through the eyes of an artist and exactly what the Azumazeki lads had to eat halfway though the July Nagoya Basho. All originals, all seen here and nowhere else, and all for you. Kyushu Basho Summary Lon Howard Lon wraps the Kyushu Basho in Fukuoka 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 eyeing of life down below the salaried ranks. Hatsu Ones To Watch Carolyn Todd Carolyn ponders and puts fingers to keys on the ones to watch come January and the Hatsu Basho. Kimarite Focus Mikko Mattila Mikko's latest clarification of a handful of sumo's kimarite offers unequalled analysis and in depth explanations. Amateur Angles Howard Gilbert Howard looks at makushita tsukedashi and what it means in real terms. Kokugi Konnections Todd Lambert Click on Todd's bimonthly focus on three of the best sumo sites online. Fan Debate Facilitators - Lon Howard / Carolyn Todd Two SFMers talk over the yokozuna benefiting from weak opposition - or not as the case may be. SFM Cartoons Benny Loh & Stephen Thompson In this issue's cartoon bonanza, sit back and sample Stephen's artistic offerings. 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? Starting with issue #10, the SFM staff will reveal a little of their own routes into sumo fandom - starting with Benny Loh. 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.

Let's Hear From You! What Made You A Fan? by Benny Loh

for many more years, being young and with an arsenal of kimarite at his disposal anytime, anywhere, as in so many basho. Ama would be a great rikishi with another 50 kg or so - I wonder why he is not putting on weight now at this appropriate time. He could be a great yokozuna too. He has everything a rikishi requires now except the required weight. Still, I would place Asashoryu, Tochia and Ama in a class on their own. Much as I enjoy watching basho, I equally have fun drawing sumo cartoons/comics here.   I would love to do some animations but sadly I am way past my prime to indulge in all those flash animation creations; too rusty to learn at my age! Pardon me if I sound brash with no practical sumo experience behind me but I am after all a sumo FAN. Like being a fan of anything, I can be ignorant of many things. All the best Benny Loh Home

Each issue of SFM, We’ll ask one of you to tell us something about you and sumo. Think you have something readers would like to know? Write our letters section! Enjoy.

As a kid I was into judo. I’ve always loved the throws and pinnings (locks) so naturally watching a sumo bout was not much different -considering the various throws, counter throws, the strengths and weaknesses of the rikishi, the techniques and your own visualization of the technique to be employed. In contrast, sumo has nothing to do with pinnings (locks). I got a taste of sumo in 2003 when I accidentally switched on to the NHK TV channel, and I am HOOKED! Sumo is becoming globally

appealing with the inclusion of rikishi from all over the world. Although bigger in size, these foreigners (not including the Mongolians - they are mostly seasoned wrestlers) still have a long way to go at the makuuchi level. Forgive me for saying so. Most of the current rikishi are not as consistent as Asashoryu, Taikai, Tochia, Miya, and Hakuho (to name a few) so far. Besides consistency, Asashoryu is the one that I envy the most. He has not been plagued by any serious injuries so far. I hope he will deservedly be a yokozuna