Takanonami, a good year!

[Tony 16]

I was very surprized by Takanonami's results in 2002.

He realized a very difficult year in 2001, and since his engagement, he seems in very good shape, and above all, to find again desire for fight.

His three last basho were beautiful ( 9-6, 7-8, 10-5 ).

He surprized with his victories on Musashimaru ( 2 times ), Kotomitsuki, Kaio, Musoyama, Tochiazuma,...

I didn't think he was able to relize these wonderful performance! Why not sekiwake in january? And, maybe an incredible return to ozeki?

[Zentoryu 154]

I was very surprized by Takanonami's results in 2002.

He realized a very difficult year in 2001, and since his engagement, he seems in very good shape, and above all, to find again desire for fight.

I think it has more to do with the fact that his leg injury appears to finally be healed. As a result, he seems to have recaptured the power that he lacked in 2001, making his terrific defensive sumo-style come back to life.

I didn't think he was able to relize these wonderful performance! Why not sekiwake in january? And, maybe an incredible return to ozeki?

Sekiwake certainly. But I don't think he has much of a chance at reaching Ozeki again, not at his age. He will more likely be a Sanyaku regular, if he can avoid injury and maintain this level of performance.

[Tony 16]

Is Takanonami'sumo condidered as dangerous?

I talked about it with a friend who lives in Japan, and he said me that Takanonami didn't appreciate by others rikishi cause dangerous kotenage and kimedashi ( injuries ).

Do you confirm it me?

[Zentoryu 154]

Is Takanonami'sumo condidered as dangerous?

I talked about it with a friend who lives in Japan, and he said me that Takanonami didn't appreciate by others rikishi cause dangerous kotenage and kimedashi ( injuries ).

Well any rikishi who uses Kotenage and Kimedashi a lot can be considered a dangerous opponent. This is primarily because both styles are known to cause injury. Takanonami uses both styles and is probably feared as an opponent as a result.

I'm not sure, and maybe someone with a clearer memory than I can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Takanonami was responsible for one of Hayateumi's injuries after using Kimedashi against him. It was a while ago, so I can't be certain of that.

So I can't imagine too many rikishi look forward to facing him.

Kaio is also well known for injuring opponents with his powerful Kotenage throws. An opponent's arm is badly wrenched by such throws, causing injury. I think Kotoryu was one such victim.

[Kotoseiya Yuichi 3]

I'm not sure, and maybe someone with a clearer memory than I can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Takanonami was responsible for one of Hayateumi's injuries after using Kimedashi against him. It was a while ago, so I can't be certain of that.

(...)

Kaio is also well known for injuring opponents with his powerful Kotenage throws. An opponent's arm is badly wrenched by such throws, causing injury. I think Kotoryu was one such victim.

Kyushu 2001. Bout description by Richard Pardoe.

Kotoryu was indeed Kaio's victim. So was Tochinonada's elbow.