The sumo world is being turned upside down, so to speak, with the recently retired yokozunas (grand champions) and the proliferation of foreigners reaching high ranks in the sport. The first foreign-born yokozuna was Akebono (born in Hawaii), followed by Musashimaru (born in Hawaii) and Asashoryu, from Mongolia. Konishiki, also Hawaiian-born, achieved ozeki (champion) status. Even foreign women are wanting to join sumo now. Including me.

So I have made a course, "Teach Yourself Sumo at Home," which gives simple answers to questions about sumo and includes tips for aspiring yokozuna:

What are the rules of sumo? Sumo is so brief and straight to the point, it almost doesn't seem Japanese. The first to either push the other outside of the "dohyo" (ring), or to cause the opponent to touch any part of his body to the ground other than the bottom of the foot, wins. This all happens within seconds, a minute or two at most. Tip: Sumo can be practiced at home to settle disputes such as who has to take out the "sodai gomi."