Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion

Episode 53: Nagoya Basho 2026 Review: Upsets, Injuries & Redemption

The Nagoya Basho is in the books, and there is plenty to unpack. We review the tournament's biggest stories, from Aonishiki's remarkable return to Ozeki and yusho triumph

Episode 52: Nagoya Basho 2026 Preview - Comebacks, Promotions & Redemption

The Nagoya Basho is here! We break down the biggest storylines heading into the July 2026 tournament, looking at recent form, what we're watching for, and our predictions

Episode 51 – Part 2: The Legend of Chiyonofuji

In Part 2 of our story on Chiyonofuji, we explore the remarkable career of one of sumo's greatest Yokozuna. From years of dominance at the sport's highest level to the le

Episode 50: Natsu Basho 2026 Review

The Natsu Basho of 2026 had everything. A Yokozuna withdrawal on Day 2. An Ozeki sliding into kadoban status. Controversial henkas. Rising stars announcing themselves on

Episode 49: The Natsu 2026 Chaos Preview

The salt is ready, the clay has been swept, and once again it’s time for the most dangerous part of any basho… two idiots with microphones pretending they understand mome

Episode 48: March 2026 Haru Review

The salt has settled, the clay’s been swept, and we’re looking back at a tournament that had everything. Yokozuna drama, Ōzeki heartbreak, surprise runs, questionable dec

Episode 47: English Sumo Nationals 2026

The salt’s down, the family’s gathered, and for the first time ever… we’re doing a basho preview for someone we actually know. This is a surprise episode, because today

Episode 46: March 2026 Basho Preview

The clay is packed, the salt is ready, and another tournament is about to begin. In this episode we break down the storylines heading into the upcoming basho and look at

Episode 45 – Part 1: The Rise of Chiyonofuji

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the extraordinary career of Chiyonofuji, one of the most dominant and recognisable Yokozuna in sumo history. From a lightweight

Episode 44 – Hastu Basho Review

The dust has settled on the dohyo and the January Basho is in the books. In Episode 44, we break down everything that defined the Hatsu tournament, the moments that lived

Episode 43 – January 2026 Basho Preview

A new year, a fresh banzuke, and the first basho of the season is almost upon us. In this episode, we preview the January Basho, breaking down the key storylines heading

Episode 42 – Takamiyama: The Pioneer of Modern Sumo

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the remarkable career of Takamiyama, the man who changed sumo forever. From his beginnings in Hawaii to becoming the first forei

Episode 41 – The Kyushu Basho Review

The salt has settled, the clay’s been swept, and Kyushu has officially closed the curtain on another wild year of sumo! In this episode, we break down everything that act

Episode 40 – Kyushu Basho Preview 2025

The ring has been consecrated one last time for 2025! In this episode, we dive into the final tournament of the year, the Kyushu Basho. With promotion hopes, redemption a

Episode 39 – Aki Basho Review 2025

The September tournament has wrapped, and what a ride it’s been! In this episode, we break down all the key matches, the biggest surprises, and the stories that defined t

Episode 38 – Aki Basho Preview 2025

The dohyo is set, the matchups are looming, and the drama is about to unfold, Aki Basho is here! In this episode, we break down the storylines heading into the September

Episode 37 – Tochinoshin: The Georgian Powerhouse

In this episode, we dive deep into the story of Tochinoshin, the Georgian titan who won fans worldwide with his sheer strength and unshakable spirit. From his early days

Episode 36 – Nagoya Basho Review: Heat, Heartbreak, and Heavy Hitters

The sun wasn’t the only thing scorching in Nagoya—this basho brought the fire! In this episode, we dive into all the drama, delight, and dohyo dominance from July’s tourn

Episode 35 – July Basho Preview: The Heat is On

The sun’s out, the salt’s flying, and it’s time to gear up for the Nagoya Basho! In this episode, we break down everything you need to know ahead of July’s tournament — w

Sumo 101: The Yobidashi

Before the wrestlers step onto the dohyo and the gyoji raises his fan, someone has already been hard at work—building the ring, calling the names, beating the drum, and k