Sumo Souvenirs   Mark Buckton Second of a two parter on sumo souvenirs - some hints on avoiding the fluff. Konishiki Chris Gould Takamiyama's 60s / 70s successes notwithstanding Konishiki was sumo's first full-on mover and shaker from lands afar leaving Chris G to take an in-depth look at the ripples the big guy left behind when exiting the sumo pool. Rikishi of Old Joe Kuroda Joe Kuroda's looks back at the life and times of former yokozuna Shiranui. Eric Evaluates Eric Blair Eric IDs the true winners of the henkafest that was the Haru Basho senshuraku. Rikishi Diary Mark Kent Mark Kent - English pro-wrestler and amateur heavyweight sumotori - takes his training a step further on his road to European and World sumo glory. Heya Peek Mark Buckton Oitekaze Beya just to the north of Tokyo and not far from the abode of SFM's Ed-i-C falls under the microscope. SFM Interview Carolyn Todd Carolyn interviews Riho Rannikmaa during his recent trip to Osaka - head of all things sumo in Estonia, friend and mentor of Baruto, this is a man with something to announce. Sumo à la LA Alisdair Davey SFM's man in the shadows reports on his recent jaunt in LA, as guest of the Californian Sumo Association and SFM reporter at large. Photo Bonanzas Hot on the heels of the recent Ise bonanza - Haru up close and very very personal - some of our best pics to date. Haru Basho Summary Lon Howard Lon wraps the Haru Basho and chucks in a few bits on the henka issues the top dogs are suffering from at present. Sumo Menko Ryan Laughton Sumo cards of old brought to life once again by expert collector Ryan Laughton. None of your BBM offerings here - Pt II of III. Natsu Ones To Watch Carolyn Todd Carolyn ponders the ones to watch come May and Natsu when sumo comes home to Tokyo. Kimarite Focus Mikko Mattila Mikko's latest look at sumo's kimarite offers unequalled analysis and in depth explanations. Amateur Angles Howard Gilbert On your marks, get set, go - Howard Gilbert walks us through the months ahead on the amateur calendar. Kokugi Konnections Todd Lambert Click on Todd's latest selection of the best sumo sites the WWW has to offer. Fan Debate Facilitator - Carolyn Todd Should it or shouldn't it? Honbasho go on the overseas road that is. See what SFM's Chris Gould and James Hawkins have to say. SFM Cartoons Benny Loh & Stephen Thompson In this issue's cartoon bonanza, sit back and sample ST's latest 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 - A. S. - the face in the crowd reveals almost all - to see everything you'll have to close your eyes. 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.

Kokugi Connections by Todd Lambert

Musashigawa Beya (http://www.musashigawa. jp/?lang=1) One of Ozumo's powerhouse stables, Musashigawa-beya, is the home of popular top division rikishi such as Dejima, Miyabiyama, and Kakizoe.  Their website comes in both Japanese and English versions, and is replete with photos and movies, and also mountains of personal data and details.  One of the coolest features is the live web cam of morning practice.  Tune in every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday morning from 9-10 local time for the final hour of that day's workout.  This website nicely conveys the look and feel of sumo through the graphics and design.  For more photos and the inside scoop on the day-to-day life and adventures of a sumotori, check out Miyabiyama's blog on the Japanese side and the Musashigawa Room official blog on the English side.  With the influx of both foreign rikishi and fans to sumo, information in English is becoming ever more accessible.  The home of sumo's second foreign-born yokozuna is at the forefront again. Home

Each issue of SFM, Todd Lambert – our man online – will bring you a review of some sumo related sites to be found on the World Wide Web. Enjoy.

The Dojo (http://thedojo.wordpress. com/tag/sumo/) To quote the owner, a dojo is a place "wherever your passion lies, your hard work is practiced, and your soul is cultivated."  "The Dojo" is the blog of a personal trainer in Olympic style weightlifting, and is dedicated to the science and practice of weightlifting and strength sports, both for fitness and as an avenue for personal development.  He contends that weightlifting is akin to martial arts, taking immense dedication, years of study and hard work, balance, speed, and mental focus. Sound a little familiar?  Which brings us to sumo.  The blog's sumo section focuses on the diet and training regime of both professional and amateur rikishi.  Stop in for a look at blog entries full of photos, video clips and links, and explore the area where sumo meets sports science.

Sumo Meetup (http://sumo.meetup.com/about/) You have an interest, find a local group about it, and meet with people who share your interest - so says the homepage of Meetup.com.  As dyed-in-the-wool fans of sumo know, it can be hard to connect with other fans locally and get together for a friendly discussion over your favorite beverage.  Internet message boards offer one way for enthusiasts from all over the world to exchange opinions and information, and to arrange get-togethers.  Sumo Meetup aims to help those same people get involved locally to share their love of sumo.  It allows you to find groups that are already meeting, and helps organize fans who'd like to have a group in their own area.  Currently people from over a dozen different countries are interested in a meetup.  Why not help them and yourself out by giving it a try?