Di ring, di wrestlers and di training
Start with dohyo, di sumo ring, and mawashi, di belt wey dem wear for wrestling. Rikishi mean sumo wrestler, while keiko mean practice or training. These words give you useful way to describe wetin you dey see and ask simple questions. You no need pronounce everything perfectly before you attend. Listen to how your instructor and interpreter dey use di words, and connect each one with di actual demonstration.
Recognise words for movement and technique
Shiko na basic sumo movement wey people often recognise from di leg lifting and stamping. Suriashi mean sliding footwork. Kimarite na winning technique: Japan Sumo Association get catalogue with illustrations. Two examples na oshidashi, push out, and yorikiri, force out with close body contact. Use these names to recognise wetin you dey watch. Written descriptions no fit replace instructor guidance on wetin you should attempt for your own session.
Make good use of small vocabulary
Basho na tournament, and banzuke na ranking list for professional sumo. Together with di words above, these ones help you separate training, competition and people wey dey involved. Before di session, choose two questions wey interest you instead of trying to learn long glossary. After, write di words wey you actually hear and how dem use dem. That small personal vocabulary go easier to remember next time you watch match or explore official sumo resources.