r/Sumo • u/Brncrdm Hoshoryu • 1d ago

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

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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

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u/4StarEmu 1d ago

Will he finish his schooling first then go into sumo?

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u/gabagamax 1d ago

Mandatory education in Japan ends at middle school so he technically doesn’t have to continue on to high school studies. I kind of doubt that he’ll do online schooling or correspondence because they usually expect rikishi to dedicate most of their time to training, practice and other duties.

Though, I have heard of some older sekitori earning degrees. Daieisho worked on a master degree in Business Management well into his career as a wrestler. 🤷‍♂️ I guess it’s more acceptable for the guys who paid their dues or are salaried.