Pre-Kyushu training news thread

[Kaikitsune Makoto 210]

I'll open a new thread for training news prior to Kyushu basho so that the previous training news thread won't turn out too massive.

Musashimaru hasn't been able to train properly due to left hand injury.

[Kaikitsune Makoto 210]

Takanohana doesn't find bus traveling propiert and uses private cars which perhaps refers to a nice Mercedes Benz. Speculation is that he wants to spare his knee from lengthy non-extending bus footspace experiences. There are no indications his knee would have any problems though. Today he did 14 minutes of shiko next to dohyo and stepped firmly signaling a visual message for reporter that no injury aspect is presently relevant.

Tochiazuma is not worried about his shoulder anymore and wants to regain his natural sumo asap. 11 practise bouts against Takamisakari, Miyabiyama and Chiyotenzan winning all 11. I hope I understood this correctly from the article. If I missinterpreted, please correct me cordially.

http://www.sponichi.co.jp/others/kiji/2002/10/18/01.html

[Doitsuyama 1,259]

I read that article with my very broken Japanese and you're right, he won all 11 leaving an "appeal of complete restoration". :-9

Please continue to post links for such articles. I know that they aren't too easy to find since Sumo nowadays isn't exactly flooding the sports sections of Japanese nespapers... (Eh?)

Well, now I'm slowly trying to actually read those articles in an attempt to improve my Japanese reading "skills".  (Xmas...)

[Tony 16]

Good news for him! We will stay with 5 ozeki certainly more time.

Tochiazuma's injury worried me ( despite  I don't like this rikishi ). When he injuried, in july, I heard that his career could be finished. While he's 26, it will be a waste!

Ouff!

[Kaikitsune Makoto 210]

Chiyotaikai resumed full power training. His opponents were big caliber fellow ozeki Kaio and Musoyama. Taikai still has some problems with his left elbow but appears to be in good shape.

20 high quality bouts took place in 16 minutes (real moshi-ai keiko). Chiyotaikai and Musoyama had 7 wins and 6 losses both while Kaio managed 6 wins but lost 8 times.

Musoyama showed improving condition.

http://www.sponichi.co.jp/others/kiji/2002/10/19/02.html

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/hochi/sports/oct/o20021018_60.htm

Well, now I'm slowly trying to actually read those articles in an attempt to improve my Japanese reading "skills

And in your posts it is easy to tell you are very excited over your gradual improvement too!

[Kaikitsune Makoto 210]

On 20th October Takanohana stepped onto dohyo to do a bit of butsugari-keiko with Takekaze who was very excited about this opportunity to train with Takanohana. Dejima did keiko with Asasekiryu.

http://www.sanspo.com/morespo/top/more2002...2002102101.html

Kaio received encouragement from Terao. Kaio had been upset about having to restrict keiko a bit due to his injury problems. Evidently his arm is not 100% yet and possibly his lower back has been having a worse period. Terao's encouragement boosted Kaio's spirit and he took his support off his arm and had 13 training bouts on 21st October. I suppose this explains a bit Kaio's less than optimal jungyo-tournament success and a mere 6-8 record during training session with Musoyama and Chiyotaikai. He is looking forward to Kyushu basho as are we all.

http://www.sponichi.co.jp/others/kiji/2002/10/22/02.html

Kotonowaka and Asanowaka visited an elementary school on 21st October. According to article this was the same school where that madman attacked children with knives in June. Due to rainy weather the wrestling took place at the school's gym. Kotonowaka looked stable and didn't lose by kirikaeshi against a group of kids. Smiling faces prevailed.

http://www.sponichi.co.jp/others/kiji/2002/10/22/01.html

http://www.sanspo.com/morespo/top/more2002...2002102201.html

Regular stuff on Azuma here:

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/hochi/sports/oct/o20021021_30.htm

Just some blabbing. He is ok and so. 11 bouts again. Shoulder feels good etc.

[Kaikitsune Makoto 210]

Dejima has been training lately and participated in jungyo bout against Kotomitsuki a week or so ago losing it. He has also trained with Musoyama and Buyuzan so his thigh muscle tear has evidently healed up pretty well and it is now a question of getting back to full shape for Kyushu basho. He did show tremendous de-ashi in Nagoya basho prior to his injury so who knows we may witness a reasoanably genki Dejima who hopefully has gotten rid of his inflammated calf burden.

Aogiyama has been absent from jungyo and his stablemates Tokitsuumi and Shimotori refused to give any hint for the reason why Aogiyama is skipping jungyo. He may be forced to sit out Kyushu basho or compete in bad shape ala Hayateumi.

Musashimaru's hand is still problematic and inconvenient for ozumo.

Kotomitsuki, Wakanosato and Takanowaka have gathered together for intense keiko on many occasions again.

At the moment it looks like Tochiazuma and Dejima will be back after kyujo in Aki basho. Both have been able to train well lately. All ozeki should be participating in more or less good form. Yokozuna appear to have most insecure prospects as Maru has his hand/wrist injury and Takanohana's extreme post-basho fatigue and light preparation again makes him very vulnerable to mediocre performance in Kyushu after honeymoon spell is history IMO

[Kaikitsune Makoto 210]

Akinoshima looked hard working as ever during last week's jungyo. He still is determined to retire if he will fall to juryo but does his utmost best to hang in there. Akinoshima is now the oldest makuuchi rikishi and needs at least 7 wins to prolong his career.

Tochiazuma finished jungyo tour with 11 spirited bouts against Dejima, Iwakiyama, Buyuzan and Tochinonada. He is looking forward meeting Takanohana on the dohyo the first time since his promotion to ozeki.

Takanohana says he is not 20 anymore and body doesn't recuperate as fast as it used to. He has continued his way of preparing for the basho and indicated he would intensify training during the last couple of weeks prior to Kyushu whereas Maru's wrist joint cartilage damage bothers him but he also wants to increase pace for Kyushu. Both yokozuna are THE questionmarks of Kyushu basho.

http://www.sanspo.com/morespo/top/more2002...2002102804.html

http://www.sanspo.com/morespo/top/more2002...2002102704.html

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/hochi/sports/oct/o20021025_70.htm

[Guest Megumishiki]

I'm just about to check the article about Kotonowaka and Asanowaka's visit to the school. (Thanks for the link, Kaikitsune-san! :-D) Will be doing it with a bit of cheating as I'll have to have it translated (somewhat) first as my kanji is very limited. ;-)

I do hope Kotonowaka is coming back this basho along with the others who missed out last time. As one of my faves, something just doesn't seem to be right without him taking part of all the action.

[Kaikitsune Makoto 210]

Kaio sleeps in X-ray room. He isn't x-rayed though despite the radiation warning sign on the door. Tomozuna-beya's Kyushu camp is evidently located in old hospital. Yesterday Kaio had 33 training bouts with makushita wrestlers (I assume including Sentoryu) and today Chiyotaikai paid a visit and ozeki sweat was secreted in clashes between two powerhouses. Chiyotaikai attacked the throat and Kaio fought his style of sumo. 18 training bouts between these two Kaio winning 10. Also present were Asashoryu and Toki + 5 other sekitori. Kaio was pleased with the training session and hopes to please his fans in Kyushu basho.

Strongest ozeki candidates of present Wakanosato and Kotomitsuki trained together again along with Takanowaka and other sekitori. Kotomitsuki has some left elbow injury but fought 23 training bouts winning 10 and losing 13. Wakanosato won 9 out of 17 training bouts and their head to head bouts resulted in 5-3 record for Wakanosato. Sadogatake oyakata wasn't very pleased with Kotomitsuki's performance and didn't see ozeki talk propiert due to today's keiko. Kotomitsuki is annoyed by his 1-6 record against Chiyotaikai and would like to train more with him.

Takanohana has gone to bed which means he has taken day off from training and gone to Tokyo for knee check-up. Nothing negative can be deduced from that as he does that every now and then as scheduled control. Futagoyama-oyakata has indicated Takanohana is in better shape than before Aki basho. Takanohana himself mentioned few days ago that he trains daily with weights and exercise equipment. He returns to keiko tomorrow. Some days ago there was small sentence illuminating the axon perkyness of his knee which is a good sign and enhances his knee's homeostasis.

Tochiazuma was sharp at Musashigawa-beya. 20 training bouts against Miyabiyama, Dejima and others. Good quality sumo.

Musashimaru has only trained with sandanme and makushita guys not being able to generate much power with his left hand yet.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/1101/1101_30.htm

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/hochi/sports/oct/o20021030_40.htm

http://www.sponichi.co.jp/others/kiji/2002/10/31/02.html

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/hochi/sports/oct/o20021029_30.htm

http://www.sanspo.com/morespo/top/more2002...2002103101.html

[Kaikitsune Makoto 210]

Tosanoumi gave a wry smile. He has been training at Tomozuna-beya camp for two days. 21 bouts against Chiyotaikai and Kaio (+ possibly some others) with the outcome of 10 wins so he is in good shape! Chiyotaikai felt cold and some pain in his left elbow so he didn't fight more than 9 times on one training session. The weather was chilly and rikishi didn't enjoy the rain. Face grimacing was witnessed.

At Futagoyama-beya's training facility Takanohana resumed training for 50 minutes doing shiko, suriashi and teppo mainly. His knee was in very good shape according to Tokyo medical inspection results and he comments his training has had off-dohyo emphasis this time which doesn't mean it has been light.

Asashoryu whirlwinded at Sadogatake-camp against Wakanosato, Kotomitsuki and other sekitori rikishi winning 11 out of 13 bouts. Asashoryu is in good shape.

http://www.sponichi.co.jp/others/kiji/2002/11/03/05.html

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/hochi/sports/nov/o20021102_30.htm

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/hochi/sports/nov/o20021101_50.htm

:-D

[Tony 16]

Do you think that Musashimaru could be at Fukuoka, sunday?

[Kaikitsune Makoto 210]

Shin-makuuchi Iwakiyama is thick, burly (185kg 170kg) with distinctive facial features. Strong fellow who has trained at Musashigawa-beya camp on many days. On 4th of November he provided chest for makushita rikishi and then had 13 bouts against Musashimaru, Musoyama and others with a record 2 wins 11 losses. He was pleased with the keiko despite finding himself covered in sand due to multiple intimate contacts with dohyo surface. He intends to carry the name of Aomori mountain Iwaki (1625m) with honour.

Akinoshima prepares for graceful retirement if juryo demotion realizes. He still has a goal of reaching 100 makuuchi tournaments (maybe that was what was said?). Yesterday Akinoshima trained with makushita rikishi.

Musashimaru has started training with sekitori. Couple of days ago 9 bouts against Dejima, Buyuzan and Wakanoyama showing basically strong sumo but not using left hand much. Yesterday Maru trained with Dejima and possible others winning all 10 bouts without wearing a support around his wrist. He said he likes Kyushu food and would like to win Kyushu basho...

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/hochi/sports/nov/o20021105_30.htm

http://www.sanspo.com/morespo/top/more2002...2002110508.html

http://www.sanspo.com/morespo/top/more2002...2002110601.html

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/1106/1106_36.htm

:-D

[Kaikitsune Makoto 210]

Kaio and Chiyotaikai continued their training sessions at Kokonoe-beya camp. 20 bouts took place and Kaio looked very strong and moved well. Earlier during jungyo he had some problems with lower back and arm but now no such burden exists. Kaio's keiko quantity has been high prior to Kyushu and since Taikai as foe on many days it is safe to say quality has been good too.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/1107/1107_13.htm

If someone has desire to screen out Taikai-news from that article, that wouldn't injure this thread

[Kaikitsune Makoto 210]

Yet another couple of links:

http://www.sponichi.co.jp/others/kiji/2002/11/07/01.html

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/hochi/sports/nov/o20021106_50.htm

Kaio-Taikai 11-9 (20 bouts) and perhaps they have actually had 120 training bouts during the last few days! I am not sure about that though.

[Amanogawa 79]

What terrific works you've been sharing with us all Kai-zeki! Thanks for your time and efforts for offering such a nice thread of good reports.

Kaio-Taikai 11-9 (20 bouts) and perhaps they have actually had 120 training bouts during the last few days! I am not sure about that though.

I see you maybe necessarily like to make a little arrangement in these numbers... :-)

According to the articles, Kaio won 9 out of 20. These ozeki have been doing good keiko together at Kokonoe-beya camp since 31st of last month and have made 120 training bouts for six days!

Thanks again!

Amanogawa

[Manekineko 200]

What terrific works you've been sharing with us all Kai-zeki! Thanks for your time and efforts for offering such a nice thread of good reports.

From me too, a big thanks... (Heart)

[Kaikitsune Makoto 210]

Some final training reports before honbasho starts!

Takanonami has been enthusiastic in training. He has trained with juryo returnee Gokenzan and some other juryo guys lately showing healthy motivation appears to enjoy keiko.

Musoyama has recovered from his fever. He had 8 training bouts against Dejima, Buyuzan and Wakanoyama winning in overwhelming fashion all 8 bouts. Personally, I think Musoyama will be in top3 ozeki this basho. On German sumoforum Musoyama wasn't counted into the group of 4 strong ozeki which is quite natural if you look at the record this year only. However Musoyama has been strong in training and is genki. Ozeki black horse! 12-3 or 11-4!

Musashimaru's comment earlier this week:

"To be honest, I don't know how much further I can go with this wrist. But the food is good here in Fukuoka and I've had some luck here in the past"

During this last week he has been training with sekitori and showed strong sumo but judging from past experience he might have difficulties in keeping his foes of his mawashi if his left handed oshi/tsuki is deficient and this will definitely drop him from being the favourite.

Both Kaio and Chiyotaikai are determined to finish the year with yusho. Both were very pleased with the quantity and quality of the pre-basho training.

As earlier reports indicate also Tochiazuma and Asashoryu are in good shape so all in all we should have 5 genki ozeki! Kotomitsuki's elbow isn't that bad anymore but he also has old problems with his other elbow! Shouldn't be too handicapped though.

And at the end of this post, some Kyushu basho makuuchi hype is in order

[ilovesumo 12]

(Unhappy...)

I only want to tell you...I am sad about Takas

kyujo... :~-(

hope he will be back soon,...

hope he will ever come back....