SOS - Shinjinrui on Sumo   Chris Gould Wrapping up his look at increasing the popularity of sumo, Chris Gould caps a series the NSK would do well to refer to. Sumo Souvenirs   Mark Buckton Souvenirs are a part of every sport and sumo is no different - or is it? A look at collectibles and the downright trashy, the bona fide versus the unproven. Rikishi of Old   Joe Kuroda Joe Kuroda's latest look at times past focuses on former makunouchi man Dewagatake. Eric Evaluates   Eric Blair Eric takes a no-nonsense look at the claims of fixed bouts in the Japanese media. Rikishi Diary   Mark Kent Mark Kent - English pro-wrestler and amateur heavyweight sumotori - takes us through the first month or so of his training and preparation for the various European events lined up in in 2007. Heya Peek   Chris Gould SFM's Chris Gould was in Japan for the Hatsu Basho and popped along to the new Shikoroyama Beya to give SFM an online exclusive peek into sumo's newest heya. SFM Interview   Mark Buckton Mark interviews Mark - Buckton on Kent that is as Mark Kent, the UK's only active heavyweight amateur answers a few questions on his own recent entry into the sport. Photo Bonanzas   Sumo Forum stepped in to take the weight off the shoulders of SFM as far as Hatsu went so we could sit back, relax, enjoy the sumo and take a few more select pics you won't see anywhere else. Hatsu Basho Summary Lon Howard Lon wraps the Hatsu Basho and chucks in a few bits on the rush of henka that threatens to sully the good name of at least one foreign ozeki. Sumo Menko   Ryan Laughton Sumo cards of old brought to life by expert collector Ryan Laughton. None of your BBM here. Haru Ones To Watch Carolyn Todd Carolyn ponders and puts fingers to keys on the ones to watch come March and the Haru Basho. Kimarite Focus   Mikko Mattila Mikko's latest look at sumo's kimarite offers unequalled analysis and in depth explanations. Amateur Angles   Howard Gilbert Howard looks at the 'sumo factory' of lore - Nichidai. Kokugi Konnections Todd Lambert Click on Todd's bimonthly focus on three of the best the WWW has to offer. Fan Debate Facilitator - Carolyn Todd Moti Dichne comes back for more and takes on Bradley Sutton on the subject of 'Modernize the heya - yea or nay?' SFM Cartoons Benny Loh & Stephen Thompson In this issue's cartoon bonanza, sit back and sample Benny's artistic offerings. Sumo Odds & Ends SFM's interactive elements - as always includes Henka Sightings, Elevator Rikishi and Eternal Banzuke! Let's Hear From You What was it that made you a sumo fan? Ryan Laughton - sumo fan and menko expert 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 a genuine banzuke.

MB: Do you perhaps see the rescheduling as something more than a genuine problem with busy schedules - something related to an ongoing political tug-of-war? FW: I think the rescheduling was really due to a major event in Japan2. I do not know which (event) but there must have been a good reason. I trust the ISF and thus I did not ask exactly what was coinciding (timing wise) with the World Championships. MB: As a side issue on the subject of ESU / ISF problems, at least one ranking ESU official is rather outspoken on the WWW regarding amateur sumo nowadays. To that end, do you think personal relationship woes at the highest level might be holding back the advancement and betterment of the ESU / ISF relationship? FW: If you do not tell me specifically which official you mean I would not know.  The ISF has set a rule whereby each continental president is automatically a vice-president of the ISF so they should solve this (issue) in a meeting at such a level. MB: Where do you see the ESU

going in the years ahead Francois? Will the ESU always be a part of the ISF or is a split in the pipeline eventually? FW: There seems to be the possibility of a split but it is not coming from the ESU. The ESU president is holding his troops firmly (in line). I would say, however, that if it does happen, it isn’t because of the present situation but by looking at the history of judo, karate, aikido, jujutsu…in some countries you have three separate karate organizations. It all depends on how the ISF handles situations such as the one we face now. MB: Finally then, while we have you, Francois, on ESU politics, at least one nation has made it known they are unhappy at having to pay what they privately refer to as extortionate ESU joining fees. It is understood that the nation in question would be the first to pay such fees which, coupled with a supposed ‘new requirement’ to shoulder the cost of flying over and putting up an ESU official to verify their application would put them under great financial strain. Can you confirm or deny if this system has been put in place and if the ESU is

looking at increased financial independence from the world governing body in Tokyo? FW: This one I can answer more easily since I am the treasurer of the ESU. Yes, the ESU is always trying to be financially independent but, without a major sponsor, it is not simple. As far as (the) country (you refer to), if you do not tell me which one, it is difficult to comment but what I can say is that there is no special fee to enter the ESU. If you do not pay (annual dues) for two consecutive years, you will face a re-entry fee but this does not apply when joining - you just pay the annual fee. As for inspection fees, they only apply when a country would like to organize a European Championship event or a ranking championship event. Then, the ESU sends, at the cost of the organizer (normally the cheapest ticket) a representative to make sure that everything is ready. 2  The ISF were contacted for their response on this point but had not replied by time of publication. Home Print version