Training news and other-January 2006

[Kintamayama 45,523]

Kotooushuu had 21 bouts against young rikishi from his heya. "It's not been a long layoff, so things are pretty much as usual", he said. He was doing some strong tsuppari and doing belt work as well. There was a young hopeful who came visiting, and decided to join Sadogatake on the spot after watching the new Ozeki. "That makes me very happy.. It's important to do good keiko upon joining and move up the ranks", Osh added.

Asashouryuu is in Mongolia. He was met at the airport in -20 degrees centigrade weather by his parente. "I must say I'm a bit tired. I am happy, though, that I kept my promises to the fans this year. Promises for the next year? I'll wait till next year..", he said. He is slated to meet the Mongolian President on the 8th.

Asa and Mum:

Edited December 7, 2005 by Kintamayama

[Fay 1,677]

Kotooushuu had 21 bouts against young rikishi from his heya. "It's not been a long layoff, so things are pretty much as usual", he said. He was doing some strong tsuppari and doing belt work as well. There was a young hopeful who came visiting, and decided to join Sadogatake on the spot after watching the new Ozeki. "That makes me very happy.. It's important to do good keiko upon joining and move up the ranks", Osh added.

Asashouryuu is in Mongolia. He was met at the airport in -20 degrees centigrade weather by his parente. "I must say I'm a bit tired. I am happy, though, that I kept my promises to the fans this year. Promises for the next year? I'll wait till next year..", he said. He is slated to meet the Mongolian President on the 8th.

Asa and Mum:

Uuuuuups, I hope he will not get a cold. (Nodding yes...)

Well Asa, just promise me to win the next basho (Whistling...)

[Kintamayama 45,523]

There was a young hopeful who came visiting, and decided to join Sadogatake on the spot after watching the new Ozeki. "That makes me very happy.. It's important to do good keiko upon joining and move up the ranks", Osh added.

Here is a picture of the kid - 15 year old Takaira. No, he's not taller than Osh, he's just standing on higher ground. Or maybe..hmm..

He has no Sumo experience. At the beginning he just stared at the rikishi in awe, but was totally fascinated by Osh. "As I watched Kotooushuu-zeki, I thought he was real cool (kakkoiiiii)..", he said, and immediately decided to join.

According to Sadogatake Oyakata, he really wanted this kid to join. (The literal Japanese is more colorful "he wanted it so bad, like a hand reaching out of his throat.."のどから手が出るほど欲しかった新弟子の誕生となった)

Edited December 8, 2005 by Kintamayama

[_the_mind_ 0]

i cant help but think the new kid must be very tall. even if he is standing on something, look where his waist and shoulders are in relation to ooshu's waist and shoulders. the relationship in size is very simular. ill bet once they get him sized up he is well over 6 foot tall. 6'5 maybe

[Sasanishiki 57]

The kid will be on the raised area around the keiko-ba where the oyakata and visitors sit. Osh will be on the clay at the keiko-ba. Would be about a foot and a half different?

[Kintamayama 45,523]

Asashouryuu is in Mongolia. He is slated to meet the Mongolian President on the 8th.

Asashouryuu received a decoration for his merits, bestowed upon him by the Mongoian President. Maybe a Mongolian member can shed a light on what this decoration means/is- something like "sufbator'

Edited December 10, 2005 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 45,523]

Tamanoi beya had its Tamanoi Matsuri (Festival) today. It's been a year since they moved to their new premises. A Sumo tournament was held with the participation of about 200 grade schoolers from the neighborhood, with Tochiazuma doing some of the gyoji duties. Chanko was dispensed in the parking lot. "We'd like to be as friendly and approachable as possible to the neighborhood people", explained Tchiazuma, as he had his picture taken by numerous fans. "I'd like as many people as possible to get interested in Sumo", added Tamanoi Oyakata, adding his wish that this wil become an annual event.

Adachi, perhaps you were around as well??

Note the famous Tamanoi bananas..

Edited December 11, 2005 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 45,523]

Sadogatake beya hosted some 150 kids and parents from the new Oyakata's kid's school at the heya. After watching keiko, some 20 of them donned mawashis and did shiko and matawari. Although the all new Ozeki did not lend his chest to them (he is having it repaired at the moment), he did watch them and said- "They're sooo cute.. I love children!!".

[BuBa 77]

Asashouryuu received a decoration for his merits, bestowed upon him by the Mongoian President. Maybe a Mongolian member can shed a light on what this decoration means/is- something like "sufbator'

This is the Order of Sukhbaatar, highest decoration of Mongolian government. Sukhbaatar is a National hero and revolutionary. Check here to see the order itself. Edited December 11, 2005 by BuBa

[Mark Buckton 1]

Tamanoi beya had its Tamanoi Matsuri (Festival) today.

Adachi, perhaps you were around as well??

Note the famous Tamanoi bananas..

was there a full 24 hrs earlier and my son - 9 months (never cries when adults say hello / squeeze his cheeks etc) cried and surprised the life out of me when Takaazuma said hello (in Japanese) and stroked his hand. Mentioned somewhere about this and got the heads up but was stuck working Saturday. (Showing respect...)

FWIW - Tamanoi will have asageiko every day bar Sun till 30th December. (Nodding yes...)

wil be there a few times meself over the period 22nd to 30th

[Guest Neo]

Asashouryuu received a decoration for his merits, bestowed upon him by the Mongoian President. Maybe a Mongolian member can shed a light on what this decoration means/is- something like "sufbator'

This is the Order of Sukhbaatar, highest decoration of Mongolian government. Sukhbaatar is a National hero and revolutionary. Check here to see the order itself.

There are orders of Hero of Mongolia and Labor Hero of Mongolia, which are more prestigous than the Order of Sukhbaatar. Those who have been awarded Hero of Mongolia are mostly military people plus a few political individuals and an astronaut. Ironically, most of the Heroes of Mongolia were born during the mini war near the Khalkhiin Gol in Mongolia in 1939 and the liberation war in Inner Mongolia and Manchuria in 1945, both against Japan. Asa is expected to become Labor Hero of Mongolia some time later, maybe after his retirement, since there is a tendency to honor grand titans in mongolian wrestling with this order. For example Hakuho's father is a Labor Hero of Mongolia.

Edited December 15, 2005 by Neo

[Phelix 0]

Thank you for that info, Neo and BuBa. As a BIG fan of the blue dragon I'm always keen on info 'bout my hero.

[Senpai 0]

If I understood correctly then in 3. january there will be a keiko in Kasugano heya where Tochinohana, Kasuganishiki, Tochisakae and Tochinonada from Kasugano heya and Tochiazuma, Tamanoshima, Toyonoshima and Baruto from outside will face each other.

I might get some names wrong but anyway it will be one fine Tochi-keiko

Bart said that he will mostly go there to get some experience with Zuma-like rikishi as there aren't no serious opponent in his home heya. He confessed that he's not yet fit and good form is still far from what he'd like to have but he needs stronger opponents then he can find in his own heya.

Talking about Shiraishis condition, he said that he's slowly coming back from last bashos misfortune but can still surprise in Hatsu if gets in form.

As for juryo yusho .. then he targets to get KK as this will be more likely to achieve than yusho after injury .. but he wouldn't predict who would be yusho candidates as he haven't had chance to fight with all in top-makushita at the moment .. but he would bet more on former sekitoris.

Asking about Sawai's chances he told that he will answer on that question after he has had a bout with him.

[Yangnomazuma 79]

Just curious if anyone has any information on the relative health of Wakanosato. Is he expected to compete in January and is he anywhere near "genki"? Any information would be highly prized....

[Kaikitsune Makoto 209]

Bart said that he will mostly go there to get some experience with Zuma-like rikishi as there aren't no serious opponent in his home heya. He confessed that he's not yet fit and good form is still far from what he'd like to have but he needs stronger opponents then he can find in his own heya.

Talking about Shiraishis condition, he said that he's slowly coming back from last bashos misfortune but can still surprise in Hatsu if gets in form.

As for juryo yusho .. then he targets to get KK as this will be more likely to achieve than yusho after injury .. but he wouldn't predict who would be yusho candidates as he haven't had chance to fight with all in top-makushita at the moment .. but he would bet more on former sekitoris.

Asking about Sawai's chances he told that he will answer on that question after he has had a bout with him.

Thanks a lot for these kind of news snippets! Sheds light on Shiraishi's injury at least and it can't have been as mild as was speculated the day after the injury took place. Did you ask him whether Satoyama will join him in that Kasugano-beya keiko session? As a new sekitori and all, it would be logical he would join Baruto.

Just curious if anyone has any information on the relative health of Wakanosato. Is he expected to compete in January and is he anywhere near "genki"? Any information would be highly prized....

Well he was kind of thinking of joining already in Kyushu basho even though he was not genki so he must be mostly healed by now. Whether he can do full keiko yet is more doubtful but there is plenty of time left before the basho. Wakanosato's M16 rank brings in bizarre match-ups like Wakatoba-Wakanosato. It is always difficult to know whether there has been any setbacks in the recovery but he is definitely expected to compete in Hatsu. If he will be kyujo, it will be very worrysome sign of a severe tear.

[Kaikitsune Makoto 209]

Asashoryu resumed keiko. Mongolia and stuff took time. Now had 10+ bouts with Senshuyama and was successful.

[Kintamayama 45,523]

Asashoryu resumed keiko. Mongolia and stuff took time. Now had 10+ bouts with Senshuyama and was successful.

Congratulations on a historical posting, sir. I am shaking as we speak.. I would just like to add that at the weigh-in, Asa tipped the scales at 146 kilos, his heaviest ever. I would also like to add that he yaguranage'd Senshuuyama in one of their bouts, and won all of his 11 bouts, including some against Asasekiryuu. "I was just checking to see how I'm moving. Not bad, I guess.. I managed to move as usual", he said. He has been away from any combat on the dohyo since the end of last basho. "I am really interested in seeing how my stength compares with that of the shin-Ozeki..", he hinted mischievously.. "I expect him to come over for keiko. If he wants to become Yokozuna, he should come and train with me!",he added. He told reporters he did some high-altitude training in the Mongolian mountains when he went there a few weeks ago, and it did seem he was in great shape. "I thought I would die..", he said.

Edited December 22, 2005 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 45,523]

Osh had 14 bouts and went 12-2 at home. 3-2 against Kotomitsuki, 9-0 against Kotoshougiku."Degeiko? No. I will do all my training here at home, since this is where I feel I get my best training'" he said. As was pointed out somewhere else, former Sadogatake Oyakata was pissed at the low number of bouts. "15 bouts is a mere warm-up for an Ozeki!", he decreed.

Edited December 22, 2005 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 45,523]

Two of the new Juryo guys went for degeiko today. Houmashou, Terao's boy, went to Tokitsukaze and met the likes of Tokitenkuu and Tosanoumi. He had 17 bouts (no results), and his sumo was branded "reserved", which is a subtle way of saying he sucked. "I learned a lot today", he said. OTOH, the new Mongolian Sekitori Moukonami had 26 bouts and was said to have been looking good.

Edited December 23, 2005 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 45,523]

Chiyotaikai came for asageiko to Takasago today. (Sigh...) Well. let's all take it easy.. Asa was not around. Taikai had some bouts with Asasekiryuu and Senshuuyama, no numbers. "I was bedridden with a cold from about a week ago, so I came to get back into shape. The Yokozuna? I had no plans to train with him", he said. "KaioU, Daisuke (Tochiazuma) and myself will be gambarizing this coming basho. My physical condition is becoming good enough to aim for the yusho!", he declared, elegantly neglecting to mention the new Ozeki.

Edited December 23, 2005 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 45,523]

Osh had a strenuous training session today- 31 bouts against Mickey and Kotoshougiku, 28-3. "He is lacking in stamina. The only way to build up stamina is by doing a lot of keiko", said Sadogatake Oyakata. "It's been quite a while since I had more than 30 bouts, It was hard", said a totally exhausted Kotooushuu. Still, right after this, he continued with some shiko and teppo.

There will be a Kotooushuu bento box going on sale from Hatsu basho at the Kkan for 1050 yen a pop. At first, the plan was to make some Bulgarian food, but it did't work out. After some discussions with Osh, they decided on pork in ginger, yakitori and boiled eggs, which are his favorites, though I read in many places that he actually loves ramen..

This is the 6th rikishi bento box to go on sale, after Asashouryuu, Takamisakari, Tochiazuma, Kaiou and Chiyotaikai have had theirs.

If this isn't breaking news, I don't know what is.

Edited December 24, 2005 by Kintamayama

[Araiguma_Rascal 0]

Osh had 14 bouts and went 12-2 at home. 3-2 against Kotomitsuki, 9-0 against Kotoshougiku."Degeiko? No. I will do all my training here at home, since this is where I feel I get my best training'" he said. As was pointed out somewhere else, former Sadogatake Oyakata was pissed at the low number of bouts. "15 bouts is a mere warm-up for an Ozeki!", he decreed.

Somehow I don't always believe the old-school oyakata who advocate doing keiko until one collapses. I think there is probably an optimum amount of training and too much can actually weaken a rikishi. I recall a few basho ago when Kotomitsuki was supposed to try for Ozeki, and supposedly was doing lots of great keiko to prepare, but nevertheless failed pretty badly. Especially if one injures oneself, one has not helped one's own cause. I can't help but suspect this in various recent failures by Kaio, Wakanosato, Kotomitsuki, etc. when going for an important promotion opportunity.

[Kintamayama 45,523]

Asashouryuu is totally unprepared for January at this stage. Though he started keiko two days ago at home and beat the usual heya fodder, he and the world realized his true situation today at the Tatsunami-Isegahama rengo keiko held at Asahiyama beya. He was 15-5 (lost all 5 to Kasugaou), and was seen being hurled by Kasugaou with an uwatenage. His usual sharpness was nowhere to be seen. "I'm doing my best, but of course, I can't say I am in good shape. I guess I earned a big 'minus' today.. It's like tuning a radio-I'm trying to tune myself.", he offered.

Edited December 24, 2005 by Kintamayama

[Kaikitsune Makoto 209]

31 bouts against Mickey and Kotoshougiku, 28-3

It is interesting that Kotooshu always seems to do the most keiko against Kotoshogiku. The more interesting fact is that Kotoshogiku never beats Osh. All keiko reports since the beginning of time indicate that Kotooshu wins 99 out of 100 bouts against him. This is very peculiar in many ways. Saw clips of their keiko a while ago and it looks very intense and not so one-sided but Shogun only defends and defends. On the other hand it is a known fact that Shogun's keiko success in numbers is pathetic compared to his honbasho sumo. Also Shogun has good records against Kokkai, Roho, Hakurozan.

So basically Kotooshu and Kotomitsuki do MUCH less keiko against each other than Kotooshu and Kotoshogiku do. Perhaps both Osh and Shogun find their keiko most efficient and with less injury risk. Must be beneficial for both but the actual numbers are strangely one-sided.

[Kintamayama 45,523]

Takamisakari underwent surgery on his right elbow. He will definitely be entering Hatsu, though. The surgery was done on the 14th. Cartilage separation removal by endoscope ?(内視鏡で遊離軟骨を除去する). He was hospitalized for three days. He is training with Sandanme rikishi at the moment. "Since Kyushu, it was so painful that he could hardly raise his right hand. I would like him to start training with Sekitori before the year is out", said Azumazeki Oyakata.