Hoku ends the streak!

[Ryunokaze 0]

I was thinking that Kotomitsuki might have been an out-side chance to have stopped him.

Mitsuki having his crack before the other more likely propositions and his

pre-basho form.I wouldn't have thought Hokutoriki stood a chance.The unpredictability of Sumo ha?

No doubt that Hokutoriki beat him on his own terms.Shoryu had nothing...except his ponderous buttocks to fall upon.

It's history now...

[hoshidango 0]

Shoryu tried the same thing against Tochiazuma in his last loss (i.e, a neck pull-down), and lost the match.

It is a bad habit of his that if he didn't get the mawashi in the first few seconds, he sometimes to that sort of move.

Interesting.

[bennyloh 0]

Asa's loss today was intentional.

He want repeat great Taiho's run. And Taiho's first winning streak was 35.

I hope you all see what is going on, now.

Yeah, Asasoryu's so great he can't possibly lose to someone like Hokutoriki. It must be fixed! (Sign of disapproval) (Eh?) (Showing respect...)

Asa lost intentionally, give me a break. (Punk rocker...)

Asa did his best and lost to Hoku. Asa planned the offensive by charging towards Hoku pushing him to the edge then pulling him forward for a throw , unable to off-balance Hoku at that, found himself in an awkward position, switched to another throw to his right and sent Hoku flying out of the ring. Asa lost this fight, employing the same counter-attack for guys who specialised in powerful forward thrusts. (Asa beat Chiyo, the forward thrusts expert with the same technique previously)

Some would say that Hoku's pace is fast because of his high waist, could it be that he has longer-strides that keep him in balance under such attacks? Hoku does this forward thrusts better than Chiyo so far and he really has a pair of hands that is longer, more effective in attacks as well as shielding his body from someone that tries to the same thrusts on him.

Asa should not try this same technique on Hoku again, but then who knows, Asa may do the same and beat him convincingly.

Edited May 17, 2004 by bennyloh

[Guest Akatabi]

Asa should not try this same technique on Hoku again, but then who knows, Asa may do the same and beat him convincingly.

We may see what happens this basho if there is a playoff (assuming Kinkaiyama is out of the picture).

(Boxing...)

[aderechelsea 124]

you can bet your house Kinkaiyama will be out of the picture but a play-off is not the best thing for Hoku.

I doubt he can win Asafor a second time in a row.....

The good thing about him is that he will have easier opponents than Asa in the final days and can hope for another loss for the Yokozuna

[hoshidango 0]

For Hokutoriki to continue winning, I think he needs to focus on nodowa and oshizumo and avoid getting into yotsu unless he feels very confident doing it with the particular opponent.

For him pulling & yotsu are traps. But he seems to be distracted to no-matta tachiai and it was rather a bad sumo with Wakanosato & even with slumped Miyabiyama; he rather voluntarily pulled then later tried a bit of yotsu, then as if he remembered something started stronger push and won.

[Kashunowaka 300]

For Hokutoriki to continue winning, I think he needs to focus on nodowa and oshizumo and avoid getting into yotsu unless he feels very confident doing it with the particular opponent. 

For him pulling & yotsu are traps.  But he seems to be distracted to no-matta tachiai and it was rather a bad sumo with Wakanosato & even with slumped Miyabiyama; he rather voluntarily pulled then later tried a bit of yotsu, then as if he remembered something started stronger push and won.

I don't think Hokutoriki tried yotsu. They hugged each other for a short moment when Hokutoriki couldn't push Miyabiyama out. Then it went back to oshi, and Hokutoriki succeeded.

Miyabiyama's strategy was non-existent; his oshi-zumo is really weak this basho, and he is up against one of the best at that game, who is also known for being rather poor when it comes to yotsu. I have a feeling that Miyabiyama would have stood a better chance if he had gone for the mawashi. But no, Miyabiyama tried to beat Hokutoriki with nodowa. (Neener, neener...)

[hoshidango 0]

Miyabiyama tried to beat Hokutoriki with nodowa. (Blinking...)

Silly him.

[Zuikakuyama 1]

Here is an interesting bit about Hokutoriki (at least to me).

He has been doing alot of weight training in the last 6 months. Before, he could only bench press 140 kg. Now he can do 200 kg.

Maybe that partly explains why his thrusting attacks is so successful this basho.

[Guest Megumishiki]

Zuikakuyama Posted on May 21, 2004, 21:45

Here is an interesting bit about Hokutoriki (at least to me).

He has been doing alot of weight training in the last 6 months. Before, he could only bench press 140 kg. Now he can do 200 kg.

Maybe that partly explains why his thrusting attacks is so successful this basho.

Edited May 22, 2004 by Megumishiki

[Kaikitsune Makoto 206]

He has been doing alot of weight training in the last 6 months. Before, he could only bench press 140 kg. Now he can do 200 kg.

Maybe that partly explains why his thrusting attacks is so successful this basho.

Well it is mostly a question of refining the power to bench press. Nobody in the right mind thinks that Hokutoriki's caliber rikishi has power to lift only 140kg in bench press but when you have never done heavy gym keiko it takes time to adapt. Going from 140 to 200 in 6 months strongly supports that refinement theory.

Many rikishi do bench presses nowadays Chiyotaikai has had a personal trainer and without a doubt does heavy bench presses too. Naruto-guys as well since Takanosato is a very pro-gym oyakata although Wakanosato seems to favour light weights and long reps. Good auxiliary keiko.

If Hokutoriki has found new sharpness to his pushing from bench presses, then good for him! His stable-mate Kaiho has done gym keiko for years so perhaps he was luring Hoku into the gym.

Crude oil is fascinating.

[Ryunokaze 0]

Hokutoriki is on roids.The gear.No doubt.

His increased appetite for training is no surprise.

How soon before he has a very bad temper-tantrum or ten?

Just mark my words.

[Naganoyama 5,881]

Hokutoriki is on roids.The gear.No doubt.

His increased appetite for training is no surprise.

How soon before he has a very bad temper-tantrum or ten?

Just mark my words.

I don't even want to speculate on whether you are right. I do believe that in many sports, such a sudden improvement in performance would lead to drug tests.

[Ryunokaze 0]

Why not speculate?

Scared of the thought police?

Expressing yourself is the very reason that forums exist.

True that some would like to elevate them selves at your expense but don't let that stop you.Such people are just pests and are easy to brush aside.

Go for your life.This place is about YOUR views on sumo and should not be tempered by fools.

[Zuikakuyama 1]

I think it is a bit excessive to call people who may disagree with you fools.

[Naganoyama 5,881]

Why not speculate?

Scared of the thought police?

Expressing yourself is the very reason that forums exist.

True that some would like to elevate them selves at your expense but don't let that stop you.Such people are just pests and are easy to brush aside.

Go for your life.This place is about YOUR views on sumo and should not be tempered by fools.

The reason I don't want to speculate is because I have absolutely no facts on which to base any sullying of Hokutoriki's name.

The reason I mentioned other sports was because, if there were automatic drug tests in sumo as in other sports, such as athletics, tennis, etc, we would not have to wonder whether Hokutoriki's training has finally clicked into place or whether he has been taking drugs.

I hope Hokutoriki's success this basho is due to hard work finally paying off. I have no reason to believe it is not.

[Ryunokaze 0]

If we had all the facts then we wouldn't be speculating.

I do understand your apprehension.

Say exactly what you think anyway.

I promise you will not be lynched.

[Naganoyama 5,881]

If we had all the facts then we wouldn't be speculating.

I do understand your apprehension.

Say exactly what you think anyway.

I promise you will not be lynched.

I have said what I wanted to say. I have no opinions on the critical point and therefore no fear of being lynched.

Hokutoriki can expect no libellous statements from me. Sorry if you find that disappointing.

[Asashosakari 18,968]

And again on the merry go-round...Ryunokaze, every couple of months you're resurfacing on this forum with your conspirazoid insinuations (and in some cases, outright allegations) that there's some kind of sinister group that attempts to suppress free thought and free speech here. This is getting rather silly and tiresome. If you have something to say, by god, say it, but don't paint yourself as a cyber-martyr every time by acting like you're defying some oppressive authority by doing it. This isn't high school.

Yeah, yeah, I know, I'm just part of that evil thought police for pointing out all of that. Nevermind then. Keep Speaking Truth To Power!

ObSumo comment: Drug testing in Ozumo should be mandatory, if only because knowing for sure would be better than having a web of rumours, even if a few ugly truths might be confirmed. (Or more than a few...the example of cycling comes to mind.) I'm sure the Kyokai won't go for it anytime soon though.

Edited May 22, 2004 by Asashosakari

[Zuikakuyama 1]

Ryo, I find your speculation that hoku to be rather remarkable.

What is the basis for your speculation that he is on steriods?

As of May 16 (the first post on this page), you seem to think all was ok with him, or at least you did not make the allegation on that date.

So it is the simple fact that he was able to bench press 60 more kgs that made you think that was the case?

I don't think that is so remarkable. In fact I think him being able to bench only 140 kg rather poor for an athlete weighing over 150 kg. The general rule I think is that you ought to be able bench your own weight. A 40% increase over 6 months is not that extraordinary if one puts a bit of effort.

I also did not see any bulking up in him that is noticeable.

And as you admit, he hasn't had any bad temper tantrums.

You definitely need more than what you have articulated so far to make your speculations even remotely believable.

[Ryunokaze 0]

If we had all the facts then we wouldn't be speculating.

I do understand your apprehension.

Say exactly what you think anyway.

I promise you will not be lynched.

I have said what I wanted to say. I have no opinions on the critical point and therefore no fear of being lynched.

Hokutoriki can expect no libelous statements from me. Sorry if you find that disappointing.

Its not a newspaper or TV program, its a web forum.

I doubt very much that my or anybodies opinion here means anything in the broad world.Tis most honorable that you do not wish to slander anybody.Good for you.

Personally I will speak my mind or close to it, with-out much bull.Sometimes I do try to be subtle.

I thought you were trying to agree, but I guess not?

It's good either way.

Asashosakari(here he comes again),

A blast from the past.Funny you should feel the need to come to the rescue.

Still stinging are you, after that embarrassing recant ?Sucking up and in a manner that only a true suck can.If not, I am not surprised.

Get real,fella.Spare yourself.

"Conspirzoid" and "truth to power"-give me a break.That type of thing I did cover in High School.

Give your tired legs,soul or whatever a rest.Your bite at the cherry is over,buddy.

I really don't care much,keep at it if you like,mate.

I do wish people might lighten up a bit.Try to view things in a different light and stop taking things so bloody seriously.I will start first.

Its not a race to be the worlds greatest and most respected sumo fan.Its just a forum about sumo.Nobody is slandering anybody.Is just a forum where people exchange opinions.Nothing more.My opinion in this place does not constitute slander and nobody is libel for them.Not in this place that is for sure.I suppose you may find somebody who would argue?

We'll see...

[Ryunokaze 0]

Ryo, I find your speculation that hoku to be rather remarkable.

What is the basis for your speculation that he is on steroids?

As of May 16 (the first post on this page), you seem to think all was ok with him, or at least you did not make the allegation on that date.

So it is the simple fact that he was able to bench press 60 more kgs that made you think that was the case?

I don't think that is so remarkable. In fact I think him being able to bench only 140 kg rather poor for an athlete weighing over 150 kg. The general rule I think is that you ought to be able bench your own weight. A 40% increase over 6 months is not that extraordinary if one puts a bit of effort.

I also did not see any bulking up in him that is noticeable.

And as you admit, he hasn't had any bad temper tantrums.

You definitely need more than what you have articulated so far to make your speculations even remotely believable.

Zui,

It's just the way he has overpowered the most respected men in sumo.

There was no indication til this point that he could badly trounce the joi-jin in such a manner.I suppose it could be honest improvement and perhaps it is?However my money is on gear.It's looked so bloody easy,for the most part.Just so much excess power.It's just so sudden.Its a bit like suddenly running a 10. for the hundred after running 11.5s or 12. even.

A more minor point;in the first week he looked a bit apprehensive in the interviews too.As if he was hoping to avoid a question or something.Not much really.Doesn't mean much.

I doubt I am the first person to think this way.Just the first to say so here.

Just my most humble opinion.I am not preparing for court nor could I.Just exchanging an honest opinion.

[Manekineko 200]

Hokutoriki is not the first rikishi (nor last) that had one grrrreat basho. Asasekiryu springs to mind (and look at him now), Tamanoshima as well - there was one basho where he seemed ozeki material. Other Forumers are bound to think of other examples of unexpected greatness... Hey, even Kinki's growth into a full-fledged makuuchian (after years of juryo-maku yo-yoing) came as a big suprise to those who heard of him. (Dribbling...)

[Kaikitsune Makoto 206]

Steroids is very much an exhausted topic from my behalf after all those doping-posts and threads of past but gotta join the fray a bit..

Without really taking stand whether Hokutoriki would have been taking steroids for a long time, to say that Hokutoriki was naturally trained earlier and now he started using steroids and got a huge benefit from it now manifesting in his extremely strong sumo is as nai'ive as saying there is not so much steroid usage in sumo. The reason is that ozumo world is not an relic from the ancient times where sport physiology and the existence of performance enhancing drugs would be mostly unknown of ignored. So if anyone who get a benefit like that from starting to use steroids, everyone would follow or rikishi unwilling to take part in steroid world, would be pretty much placed in downward going elevator.

Assuming that steroid usage would be quite unknown feature in ozumo, Hokutoriki's sudden increase in strength would make rikishi think "Is this the benefit you could get from using steroids???" and snowball phenomenon would soon follow. However, my opinion is that steroids are very well known in ozumo and Hokutoriki hasn't been a stranger to these substances before. This increase in strength may be a combination of many factors. Gym training may have improved his innervation in pushing muscles without making him too stiff, the self confidence high of an oshi-rikishi is sometimes worth of 2 years of intense keiko and finally he just gets his sumo in perfectly.

Sure the doping topic is a neverending circle which never leads to anything concrete conclusions because we can't know the facts, there are no tests but it shouldn't mean we should shut up and not bring up "speculative allegations" on an unofficial forum like this.

Staining Hokutoriki's reputation here by stating he may be on steroids is hardly more than a drop in the ocean. Bottom line is that he is doing great sumo, steroids or not, and without unfair advantage to other rikishi (who have the same means as their disposal).

It takes quite a bit of idealism to think that Roho or Kokkai for instance would be steroid free. They come from areas and sport cultures where the markets of steroids is very well established in many ways and also they come to make money in ozumo which doesn't have drug tests! If they really think "I would have easy access to all sorts of performance enhancing substances and there are no drug tests in ozumo + I earn clearly more money if I get into juryo and then maku