| Yokozuna Comparisons Joe Kuroda |
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| Amateur Sumo's Global Aspirations Courtesy: International Sumo Federation |
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| Rikishi of Old Joe Kuroda |
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| Heya Peek Barbara Ann Klein |
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| SFM Interview Mark Buckton |
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| Sumo 101 Barbara Ann Klein |
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| Photo Bonanza See the Haru |
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| Haru Basho Review Lon Howard |
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| Lower Division Rikishi Mikko Mattila |
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| Natsu Basho Forecast Mark Buckton |
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| Kimarite Focus Mikko Mattila |
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| Sumo in Print Mark Buckton |
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| Kokugi Connections Todd Lambert |
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| Fan Debate Facilitator – Lon Howard |
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| SFM Cartoons Benny Loh & Stephen Thompson |
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| Let’s Hear From You What was it that |
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| Readers’ Letters See what some |
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Sumo Quiz
The Quizmaster
Answer the Qs and win yourself next basho’s banzuke.
Stephen Gadd
SG – We are always glad to welcome new member federations – but only those federations who truly want to develop sumo, no ghost federations with just a president and an e-mail address. To develop the sport of sumo, we need active new-member federations who have a desire to contribute to sumo and, from the ESU point of view, we will of course do our best to support new federations to grow and develop, but there has to be a base upon which to work. I know from my own experiences how difficult it is to develop sumo. With regards to Greece though – they are already members of the ESU – since May 2005.
MB – In your personal opinion, which EU nation has the strongest all-around capability across the weight classes and in both the male and female versions of the sport?
SG – Russia, without a doubt.
MB – Do you see any Europeans coming up with the ability to make the leap to the professional game?
Next
Stephen Gadd is probably one he or she will instantly associate with either the Dutch Sumo Federation or the European Sumo Union. President of the former and General Secretary of the
latter, in a time of change in the amateur game that will see
major developments affecting the way amateur sumo is viewed globally in the near future, Stephen kindly took the time out to liaise across the time zones and answer a few questions for
SFM's Japan-based Mark Buckton.
Stephen Gadd – I was always interested in sumo; I went to Japan many times for judo reasons and on the days off went to watch some sumo tournaments.
MB – What did / do your friends and family think about your involvement in the sport?
SG – They thought I was mad and should seek medical attention
MB – As our intro says, you are both the head of the Dutch Federation and also the General Secretary of the European Sumo Union – can you tell us what
SG – Essentially, on the first part of the question, I am responsible for all aspects of Dutch sumo development, contact with our Olympic committee and, in principle, the day-to-day running of the national federation. With regards to my ESU post, I am the contact person between the directing committee of the ESU and all member federations. I also serve as the link between ESU member federations and the IFS – International Sumo Federation.
MB – EU sources tell me that both the Greek and Irish flags could soon be represented in the amateur game. How does the ESU see this increase in
