Sumo, explained in the order it makes sense

1. How Sumo Works: A First-Time Viewer's GuideSix things, on one page. Start here if you have never watched a bout.
2. The Banzuke Explained: Sumo's Ranking SheetSix divisions, one line that changes a life, and why the sheet is written by hand.
3. Kimarite: How Sumo Names Every WinMore than eighty official names, and the moment that decides which one is called.
4. Why Sumo Looks Like a CeremonyIt began as a rite and never stopped being one. The reason behind this whole section.
5. Inside a Sumo Stable: Where Wrestlers Actually LiveNo transfers, no going home after training. The stable is the address.
6. How to Watch Sumo from Outside JapanSix tournaments a year, on dates published years ahead.

Sections

• BasicsEnough to follow any bout you see, in the order the pieces make sense.
• RanksThe banzuke read as what it is: a story of promotion and demotion.
• Winning MovesThe winning moves, and how to tell the ones that look alike apart.
• RitualsThe salt, the stamping, the roof — what each one is for.
• Rikishi LifeThe stable, the training, the food, and what happens at the end.
• Watching SumoHow to watch, where to sit, and what the people around you are saying.