Takanohana and Asashoryu

[Guest Kaikitsune]

Takanohana has trained about one week now since returning from France and is yet to do any keiko on the dohyo. Same old system of doing shiko, suriashi and teppo for about 1-1.5 hours a day. "I am doing this at my own pace" he reiterates every time. Well the probability that Takanohana returns seems slimmer and slimmer every day.

Asashoryu has been very busy with various new ozeki obligations. Traveling in Mongolia, meeting supporters etc. have limited his chances for training so far. Then again as a training addict, the extra rest can do very good for his body and once he returns to daily routine he must be even more eager to spread his joyful training rage all over Takasago-beya.

[Zentoryu 154]

Asashoryu has been very busy with various new ozeki obligations. Traveling in Mongolia, meeting supporters etc. have limited his chances for training so far. Then again as a training addict, the extra rest can do very good for his body and once he returns to daily routine he must be even more eager to spread his joyful training rage all over Takasago-beya.

This is probably one of the reasons Shin-Ozeki seldom contend for the Yusho in their first basho at the that rank. In fact, they usually struggle just to get KK (Tochiazuma being the exception to this). So much travel and special events don't leave much time for training.

But you are probably right about one thing. His body must be enjoying the rest it's been getting recently  :-/

[Tony 16]

Asashoryu can make a beautiful performance in September.

Although he couldn't train very well, his mental, fighting spirit could make difference.

Without a perfect physical preparation for Aki basho, he's one of my three favorites ( with Musashimaru and Chiyotaikai )