since_94

That THROW, though! Holy smokes. Explosive.

I think Takakeisho is injured. His “wave” pushing attack just isn’t there. It’s his stock in trade. His more or less a one trick pony, although his sidestep parry is also effective. Somethings up.

Hidenoumi’s bewilderment continues on day 6 when he falls victim to ashitoshi by Terutsuyoshi who just disappeared into thin air in front of the hapless one before hooking his leg and pushing him off balance and back. It was actually recorded, correctly I might add, as a last minute yorikiri. Either way, the look on Hidenoumi’s face was his usual “WTF?”

I’m not sure any of Hidenoumi’s bouts have been anything remotely resembling the usual outcomes this basho. Seems like everything that happens is unintentional, with nothing going to plan. He always looks utterly bewildered by the outcomes, win or lose. It’s like he’s in a daze on the dohyo , stumbling around in some kind of waking dream. Has he been hanging out with Takagenji?

Ouch. Akua is not going to want to land throws like THAT too often going forward. Assuming he wants to keep going forward, that is. Without a wheelchair and attendants. That could have been very, very, bad. His trapezius looked like it was bulging afterwards, but maybe it's always like that. (This post is in no way meant to disparage individuals with permanent physical disability or make light of their plight )

Speaking of former Ozeki, shin-Yokozuna Terunofuji really stamping the clay with audible conviction in today's dohyo-iri. There has been a lot of concern/speculation about how his longsuffering knees would affect his ability to deliver the goods and perform his ring entering duties in an aesthetically pleasing way. I have a theory: he looks like he's getting stronger in that department every day. I think the ritual might be acting as a kind of therapy, and not diminishing the grand champion, but rather rejuvenating and strengthening those busted knees every time he does it. Terunofuji is actually charging his battery as he goes. This is not good news for those who must oppose him.

I like my Ozeki to be consistently DOMINANT, dammit. When was the last time we had one who fit the bill? Back to the Baruto and Kotooshu days? Maybe Kisenosato in his prime?

Ooh, what a scintillating prospect for fans. Not.

I knew Bushozan was going to cause trouble for Abi. He will likely continue to do so in the future. Very similar styles, but Bushozan has a much lower center of gravity, despite the reach disadvantage. I really like his fighting style and hope he does well.

I find it amazing that most of the time the yumitorishiki is considered disposable fodder by many people in attendance at the Kokugikan, too, who stand up to leave as soon as it starts a couple of minutes before 6pm. I personally find it disrespectful, but whatever.I understand people have their schedules and priorities, trains to catch, etc. Whenever I’ve paid for my ticket, however, I make sure to wring every drop of value out of the experience, which means savoring every minute of every ritual inside and outside the Mecca of Sumo. It’s a privilege to be on hallowed Sumo ground, breathing the rarified, bintsuke scented air IMO.

I thought that was him! I though he had retired, to be honest. Guy is older than the dirt, but he has that bow-twirling routine locked down TIGHT!

There was a lot of slip and fall in Makuuchi on day 1. I think 3 or 4 bouts ended with a rikishi losing his footing, which is always sort of an anticlimax. There were some good fights, like Chiyonokuni, Hoshoryu, Terunofuji’s dominance, and a few others, but yeah, kind of lackluster overall because of all the “slippiotoshi”.

Yes, he looked good today and it feels like forever since he’s got off to a 1-0 start. He does look heavy, though. Is it just me or do others think he’s packed on a lot of weight around the middle?

He’s certainly put together. Putting some serious time in at the gym is he.

I blame the bad back rather than lack of fighting spirit per se