David Shapiro (4)

from cover

When it was first published in 1989, Sumo: A Pocket Guide was quickly recognized as the best compact reference to the fascinating tradition and exciting sport that is sumo. Now completely updated by the well-known sumo authority David Shapiro, the book describes the history, rules, rituals, and techniques of sumo, the wrestlers' training, and even their diets. Covering such topics as 'life in the stables,' 'psychological wardfare,' and 'the spoils of victory,' this compact guide show more brings to life this cultural pastive that is so much more than a sport. This volume also includes an updated list of the addresses and telephone numbers of all the stables and some of the best chanko-nabe restaurants in Tokyo.

Shapiro brings to the updated edition many years of Japanese language sumo research and coverage. The result is a handy, up-to-date, and authoritative guide to sumo that provides everything one needs to understand, appreciate, and enjoy this faschinating sport.

David Shaprio has been a fan of sumo since 1973 and has been writing professionally on the subject since 1981. He has lectured extensively on sumo both in Japanese and English while serving as senior staff member of Sumo World magazine, the world's only english-language publication dedicated to sumo. In addition to working as a freelance translator, interperter, and writer, he also regularly appears on NHK's English-language sumo broadcasts as a guest commentator.

Contents

Foreword
1 As Old as the Nation
2 Oddss and Ends, Past and Present
3 The Long Climb
4 Life in the Stables
5 Grand Sumo Tournaments
6 Pageantry, Ritual, and Symbol
7 Psychological Warfare
8 Sumo Techniques
9 The Grand Champions
10 Referees and Judges
11 What's in a Name?
12 The Spoils of Victory
13 The Lure of Sumo
Chanko-nabe Restaurents
Sumo Stable Addressses and Phone Numbers
Glossary of Sumo Terms show less