The giants of Sumo - Angela Patmore

The Rikishi - "strong men" - are national heroes in Japan, and their sport, Sumo wrestling, is rapidly gaining cult status in the UK, this book profiles the leading exponents of this mesmeric martial art, many of whom receive masses of fanmail from their British admirers. The top stars, e.g. supreme champion Chiyonofuji - the Wolf - and Konishiki - The Dump Truck, are huge figures of great charisma, charm and individuality, and Angela Patmore describes their physical and mental attributes as well as their style of combat and career record.;The art of Sumo lies not so much in the fleeting wrestling match, but in the vital four-minute face-off - the Shikiri Naoshi - prior to the physical explosion. The psychological battle is everything and Angela Patmore examines how a match is lost and won as the wrestlers glare and posture in a bid to establish mental supremacy. The book also includes information on its 2000-year history, rituals and ceremonies, rules and techniques, stable life, training, salaries and the year-round schedule of the circuit.