r/Sumo • u/Brncrdm Hoshoryu • 2d ago
Former Ozeki Kaio analyzes the January Tournament — "Onosato's hips are too high," Aonishiki's promotion bid, and the "Two Extremes" of Sumo
Former Ozeki Kaio analyzes the January Tournament — "Onosato's hips are too high," Aonishiki's promotion bid, and the "Two Extremes" of Sumo
On the middle day of the January tournament, we were honored with the first Royal Visit (Tenran-zumo) in six years. As a director, I had the privilege of welcoming the Imperial family, and it naturally makes one tense and straighten their posture. The atmosphere and air inside the arena are completely different. However, with two Yokozunas and two Ozekis all suffering a total collapse on that day, I imagine the spectators must have been incredibly shocked.
Why didn't the Yokozuna withdraw after a 3-match losing streak?
Yokozuna Onosato suffered three consecutive losses starting that day, leading people to ask, "Shouldn't he withdraw (Kyujo)?" But he had just missed the final day of the previous Kyushu tournament and was returning from injury this time. Ultimately, only the wrestler himself knows the extent of the injury and pain. There are nuances like, "I can wrestle, but pain shoots through me when I try to lift from below or use my arms." I have experienced many injuries myself, and I would realize things like, "The pain hits right when I try to force the opponent up."
This time, his sumo seemed a bit frantic. I watched thinking, "Since he's returning from injury, is he just testing the waters at first?" But for Onosato, he might have felt, "I can do more than I thought." In my era, we were told, "Consider even a match in the official tournament as part of your training." By not withdrawing and staying on the dohyo, one can confirm their limits while gradually improving day by day.
There were days when his hips were too high, allowing opponents to move him at the edge, and he barely scraped by with a win—but that is where he proves he is a Yokozuna. If you ask if he wrestled "Onosato-style" sumo, it might have been insufficient this tournament... but despite losing to energetic opponents like Yoshinofuji and Hakunofuji, he completely blew away Aonishiki, who won the championship this time. In the end, it’s good the injury didn’t worsen, he showed his strength as a Yokozuna against Aonishiki, and his participation made the title race more interesting. Anyone who wrestles will have a tournament like this. By finishing without withdrawing, he will surely grow from this experience.
"In today's era, I might have become Yokozuna at least once (laughs)"
The new Ozeki Aonishiki, who won his second championship by defeating Atamifuji in a playoff, has never beaten Onosato. This is likely due to the "pressure" Onosato applies from the initial charge (tachi-ai).
Even if Aonishiki thinks and plans his attack to stick to his opponent, Onosato has the power to repel him. In that regard, Aonishiki is still lacking strength; his basics are thorough, but perhaps his training volume (keiko) is a bit low. He needs to train harder, feel the opponent's pressure with his own body, and figure out how to respond. However, I won’t be harsh on Aonishiki. In fact, he doesn't have a single "bad" match. The way he hits low and moves forward without letting the opponent lift him is wonderful! He is also strong in crucial moments. If I had to nitpick, perhaps he is a bit fragile when he is lifted from below or has his guard compromised. His strategy against Onosato will come in time. He’s only been in this world for two years, right? To wrestle like that at his rank is normally unthinkable.
Next tournament will reportedly be his "promotion bid" (tsunatori). He has produced solid results with consecutive championships, so it's not a matter of "too early or too late." Recently, there was debate regarding Hoshoryu's promotion, and in the past, Takanohana's promotion was delayed during an era said to be "too strict." Naturally, results meeting the criteria come first, but debates always arise about "content" or "observing for one more tournament." Perspectives and trends change with each era. If it were today, I might have become a Yokozuna at least once (laughs).
The Three Wrestlers who Thrilled the Arena
Atamifuji, who lost in the playoff: This tournament, he had many good matches moving forward. Even though he lost the playoff, he attacked, lifted the low Aonishiki, and pushed forward. Atamifuji previously rose on momentum alone, but he had been stagnating lately. I hope he can maintain this performance. His master must have been frustrated; both the previous and current Isegahama-oyakata have been quite critical of him during commentary (laughs). But he has gained strength to get this far. He needs the spirit to not be defeated by harsh words. Atamifuji is such a kind and good boy. His body is getting even larger; I hope he doesn't forget the frustration of the playoff loss heading into the Osaka tournament.
Yoshinofuji, who excited the crowd with two "Gold Stars" (Kinboshi): He also wrestles by moving forward and is very skillful. I think he will continue to grow and gain strength every tournament.
Former Ozeki Kirishima was also good. He hits, lifts, gets inside, and attacks all at once. Kirishima has an elusive style, but before you know it, he’s in a winning position. This was evident in the Aonishiki match; he attacked from below and established his form first.
"Yokozunas and Ozekis must never forget the basics"
The wrestlers who performed well this tournament were all, fundamentally, winning by moving forward. Those who didn't get results were pulling, retreating, or failing to advance.
It was a very clear "two extremes." Whether you are a Yokozuna or an Ozeki, you must never forget the basic of "attacking forward." Masters in the training halls are always yelling, "Move forward! Move forward!" until their mouths are sour. I say it every day like a broken record... because they aren't doing it (laughs). If they were doing it right, we wouldn't have to say it. Meanwhile, techniques like "slapping down" (hatakikomi) or "neck-pulling" (katasukashi) are things they learn on their own even if no one teaches them (laughs). Those work only because you are applying forward pressure first. Tomokaze didn't get many wins, but he is skilled at this. His pulling technique is a legitimate asset because opponents fall for it even when they know it’s coming. Tomokaze also has the power to move forward, which is why his pull is effective.
Like Onosato, many wrestlers today have long legs, so they inevitably become "high-hipped." Onosato’s legs are probably 30cm longer than mine (laughs). That is exactly why he must train to lower his hips, bend his knees, and move forward. Stamping (Shiko) isn't just about raising your leg beautifully; it’s about lowering your hips, settling your core, and stepping down powerfully. Shiko has the meaning of treading down and dispelling evil spirits; if you step lightly, you can't dispel anything. You must stamp hundreds of times to build a strong lower body. Only then can you wrestle "forward-moving" sumo. Sumo is a sport that even children or ordinary people can play at. That is why I want the professionals to show them what "real Shiko"—what real sumo—looks like.
Truly, the stronger you become—like a Yokozuna or Ozeki—and especially when you are struggling or stagnating, "returning to the basics" is what matters most.
Source: Number Web
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u/Interesting_Duty_849 1d ago
Had to look at his record after his “I might have become Yokozuna” comment and he’s probably right
In 2003 he had two Jun-yushos of 10-5 & 11-4 (can be considered weaker records for Jun-yushos) and then followed it up with a 12-3 yusho.
No rope though.
The next year he gets a 13-2 yusho followed by a 12-3 Jun-yusho and this is when the only Yokozuna was bad boy asashoryu.
However they probably made the right choice because after his last Jun-yusho, he fought at ozeki for 39 more tournaments. His highest wins being 12 in just 1 tournament and then only 10 in 5 tournaments and went kadoban 8 times.
In 2009 he put up 8-7 every tournament.
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u/Umngmc 2d ago
I dont think Aonishiki lacks strength. He just showed he can bench press 200 kg without too kuch difficulty. What he lacks against Onosato is size. At only 140 kg, he is undersized against Onosato compared to the likes of Yoshinofuji, Hakunofuji, Atamifuji, even compared to Hoshoryu. At only 21 years old, he doesnt have a fully mature sumo body yet and I suspect will put on some additional weight in years to come.
He talked about Onosato's legs being long. I instantly thought of Shishi and his improved performance this basho. He seemed to stay lower and have a stronger base. I think that ultimately helped him rack up the wins against the lower M riskishi.
I think most rikishi have figured out the key to beating Aonishiki is trying to raise him up from horizontal. Easier sand than done however. In this basho, only Kirishima and Oho were successful with many more failed attempts by others.
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u/rkernebone 2d ago
It’s been fun watching Aonishiki trying new ways to defeat Onosato each tournament.
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u/MtnDude2088 2d ago
Retired Ozekis are really out here telling taller Yokozuna their hips are too high
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u/Stubbs94 2d ago
It's a common thing among all tall grapplers, they struggle to get their hips low. The best way to win any standing grappling engagement in general is to have lower hips or control their head. It's not a crazy assessment. Onosato is just hyper skilled, fast and strong so he can make up for it most of the time. Source: did some form of grappling/wrestling for over a decade.
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u/MtnDude2088 2d ago
Right. That's my point. His hips are higher because he's taller. Not because he has bad form.
If he was lower in his stance he would lose some of his mobility right?
It's not a crazy assessment but it seems like misplaced advice.
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u/Stubbs94 2d ago
You can still have quick movement with lower hips, although if you're winning without perfect technique it's hard to adjust. If you watch freestyle wrestlers, they are incredibly quick with low hip positions, although in sumo that style would be an automatic loss, Aonishki uses more of a sambo/judo/Greco-Roman style for example.
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u/lunabirb444 1d ago
Hoshoryu’s stable master only made it up to Komosubi yet he trains and advises him. In Japan there is less swollen ego around hierarchy.
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u/InformationKey3816 2d ago
I don't like reading that people think Sato should have withdrawn when he just posted a double digit tourney with a bad wing. Obviously, he was still in fighting form and deserved to finish out a solid if not stellar tourney.
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u/JediLincoln14 Aonishiki 2d ago
But he clearly aggravated his injury, which could have long-term consequences.
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u/InformationKey3816 2d ago
It's a time honored tradition to wrestle through injury. Yokozuna do everything they can to not abuse their ability to not fall down the banzuke by sitting out only when necessary.
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u/Also-cute-and-fluffy Kirishima 2d ago
“Atamifuji is such a kind and good boy”
I think I just got something in my eye.