Sumo returns to Honolulu Saturday and Sunday at Blaisdell Arena after a 14-year absence, meaning it is time to get reacquainted with the sport of emperors.

A lot has happened since the local favorites, Akebono, Konishiki and Musashimaru, hung up their mawashi and the Mongolians took over. So, dust off your sumo knowledge, grab a pencil and see if you're still up on some of the ins and outs of this ancient sport.

1. The new yokozuna is called Hakuho because:

(a) It is a whole lot easier than signing autographs as Munkbat Davaajargal, his legal name.

(b) His parents were fans of Hoku Ho.

(c) His stablemaster liked its meaning, White Phoenix.

2. When a sumotori throws salt into the air before a match it is because:

(a) Somebody sitting within tossing distance is heckling him.

(b) It signals to the opponent that the loser buys the sushi.

(c) It purifies the ring.

3. It is a serious breach of sumo rules to:

(a) Leave a buffet before it has been completely emptied.

(b) Pull an opponent's hair.

(c) Tell your opponent to buy a bra.

4. The envelopes that the winning wrestlers receive after their bouts contain:

(a) Prize money from sponsors.

(b) A week's supply of Lean Cuisine coupons.

(c) Congratulatory messages from their fans.

5. Wrestlers stomp their feet to:

(a) Wake up anybody who has dozed off.

(b) Keep their feet warm.

(c) Symbolically drive away ill fortune.

6. The hairstyles of the sumotori come from:

(a) The 17th century.

(b) Super Cuts of Shinjuku.

(c) Best of the Sumo Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

7. After retirement, leading sumotori often:

(a) Open Curves franchises.

(b) Become coaches or stablemasters.

(c) Begin second careers as jockeys.

8. The home of sumo in Tokyo is called:

(a) Fat City.

(b) The Kokugikan.

(c) Sizzler.

9. One reason for the absence of Hawai'i sumotori in the sport now is:

(a) A calorie cap.

(b) A limit on the number of foreigners allowed.

(c) Mongolians taking up all the room.

10. Which is among the 70 officially recognized techniques to win a sumo match:

(A) Step-over toe hold.

(B) Atomic knee-drop.

(c) Mackerel wrap.

If you answered eight or more questions correctly, consider yourself a grand champion. Six or above is passing and five or fewer means you might want to consider following checkers instead.

Answers: 1. (c); 2. (c); 3. (b); 4. (a); 5. (c); 6. (A); 7. (b); 8. (b); 9. (b); 10. (c)

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.