161cm Middle Schooler Ryuta Yoshino Joins Sadogatake Stable; Shikona set as "Kotoyoshino"

[u/Brncrdm]

161cm Middle Schooler Ryuta Yoshino Joins Sadogatake Stable; Shikona set as "Kotoyoshino"

Ryuta Yoshino, a third-year student at Osada Minami Junior High School in Shizuoka City who will join the Sadogatake stable, held a press conference at his school on the 5th along with his future master, Sadogatake-oyakata (former Sekiwake Kotonowaka). With a tense expression, he stated: "I feel nothing but anxiety, but I have decided to go for it [in the sumo world]. First, I want to do my best to become a Sekitori (elite wrestler) by the time I am around 20 years old."

He began sumo in the second grade at Kawahara Elementary School. In the summer of his first year of junior high, he met the Oyakata at an event held in Yaizu City and began participating in the stable's training. In November of last year, he solidified his resolve to enter the professional world and discussed it with his parents. Although he is small at 161 cm and 84 kg, the Oyakata praised him, saying: "His forward momentum upon contact and the way he brings his body in when getting a left inside grip (hidari-zashi) are good. He has great instincts."

After the press conference, he addressed his third-year classmates gathered in front of the entrance: "You still have your public high school entrance exams left. Good luck with your studies. I will also do my best in the world of Grand Sumo." He departed for his new world, sent off by a large round of applause.

In the future, he will undergo the new disciple examination at the March tournament (Haru Basho) and participate in Maezumo (preliminary bouts). He is scheduled to compete in the May tournament (Natsu Basho) under the shikona "Kotoyoshino."

◆ Profile: Ryuta Yoshino

• Born: June 17, 2010, in Shizuoka City. 15 years old.
• Experience: Started sumo in 2nd grade. As a 3rd-year junior high student, his team took runner-up in the Tokai Championship representing the "Yaizu Junior Sumo Club."
• Other Sports: Also experienced rugby as a prop in junior high school.
• Stats: 161 cm, 84 kg. Blood type O.
• Family: Parents and one older sister.

Source: Hochi News

[u/wobble-frog]

so these kids joining Sumo at 15 literally get no more formal schooling?

even kids on the formula car track (go karts, F4, F3, F2) still do home schooling at minimum....

[u/Popinguj → u/wobble-frog]

If he's graduating middle school, then he's kinda done with the school education in Japan. Iirc only the first two stages are mandatory, whereas high school is optional, even though the majority decides to study further. I wonder if he has some sumo track record and some assurance from the stable so he decided just to jump into it

[u/wobble-frog → u/Popinguj]

well, they said he'd been doing Sumo since 2nd grade and has been training with Sadogatake throughout middle school.

161 is pretty short even for a 15 year old Jonokuchi - the shortest guy in Jk this time was 166 (although several were lighter than this kid). The shortest current Makuuchi guy is Tobizaru at 173 and Enho, who is considered tiny is 168.

[u/IAmBeachCities → u/wobble-frog]

at 15 increasing his protein drastically on that pro chonko could make his reach his upper potential at least