Bugman 380 Posted May 23, 2013 This is the second time I've noticed what appears to be Hakuho slapping his opponent really hard in the side of their belly. Is that a common technique or just something he personally uses to break the opponent's concentration? I'll be watching for it again when he meets Kise and they get stuck in a hold. I think he uses that slap to elicit a reaction from his opponent so he can readily counter. Hakuho is the best I've ever seen at countering others moves. It's easier said than done, but if a rikishi doesn't beat Hakuho immediately after the tachi-ai, their chances of winning decrease significantly. I feel the same way about Harumafuji too, if the bout gets to a point where both rikishi are leaning against each other i think to myself "that's it you've already lost," because giving Haru the time to think is increasingly dangerous with each second that passes, he thinks almost as fast as he moves, i look at their feet and more often than not it's Harumafuji's feet that are busily shuffling themselves into a better position, i'm still surprised he lost today, though i probably need to start giving Kise more respect. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ArchangelEST 13 Posted May 23, 2013 Hakuho is amazing at countering and finding the right angle to make his move. It's like he showers the opponents with techniques, while countering theirs. And the moment he sees an opening he takes it. And if he happens to fail, he'll rebound immediately and start looking for another one. He really is one of the greatest of all time. Most other rikishi tend to have a lot of trouble once their initial charge and preferred technique is countered. For Hakuho it's like a minor inconvenience if he doesn't get the ideal handle immediately, he has countless ways to take the win. :) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Benevolance 2,349 Posted May 23, 2013 This is the second time I've noticed what appears to be Hakuho slapping his opponent really hard in the side of their belly. Is that a common technique or just something he personally uses to break the opponent's concentration? I'll be watching for it again when he meets Kise and they get stuck in a hold. Is he slapping, like, the protruding belly? Or is he striking at the trunk, like a boxer? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mukonoso 266 Posted May 23, 2013 This is the second time I've noticed what appears to be Hakuho slapping his opponent really hard in the side of their belly. Is that a common technique or just something he personally uses to break the opponent's concentration? I'll be watching for it again when he meets Kise and they get stuck in a hold. Is he slapping, like, the protruding belly? Or is he striking at the trunk, like a boxer? This time he did it with his left hand so it was hidden behind his opponent but it was really loud. When I noticed it in a match last year I think it was his right hand on the side of the belly and it was after they had fought to a stand still for several seconds like today. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 42,292 Posted May 24, 2013 Oosunaarashi. Sekitori. Get used to it. What a smile at the end of the bout. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yorikiried by fate 1,842 Posted May 24, 2013 A made man. (I hope they don't shoot him after bringing him to a fake press conference...) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tzutzy 0 Posted May 24, 2013 Is it a done deal no matter how many Juryo demotions? I'm happy for him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ArchangelEST 13 Posted May 24, 2013 (edited) Oosunaarashi. Sekitori. Get used to it. What a smile at the end of the bout. Can't wait to see how he does in Juryo. If he keeps going with such steam we might see a Makuuchi debut by the end of the year. Considering his age it definitely makes you expect great things from him. :) Very similar to Baruto so far. About the same age Baruto was and just about the exact same progress through the ranks. If he avoids serious injuries he is looking like a force to be reckoned with. Edited May 24, 2013 by ArchangelEST Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 42,292 Posted May 24, 2013 (edited) Is it a done deal no matter how many Juryo demotions? I'm happy for him. Nothing is 100% with these guys, but yes, it's a done deal. Unless it isn't, but it should be. Hmmm..There are at least 4 good contenders for promotion. Will he get the short Endo of the stick? Naaah.. Edited May 24, 2013 by Kintamayama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ArchangelEST 13 Posted May 24, 2013 Is it a done deal no matter how many Juryo demotions? I'm happy for him. Nothing is 100% with these guys, but yes, it's a done deal. Unless it isn't, but it should be. Should indeed be pretty much guaranteed with a Yusho performance from his rank. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 42,292 Posted May 24, 2013 Is it a done deal no matter how many Juryo demotions? I'm happy for him. Nothing is 100% with these guys, but yes, it's a done deal. Unless it isn't, but it should be. Should indeed be pretty much guaranteed with a Yusho performance from his rank. We've seen this and consequently what it did to his career.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kuroimori 1,634 Posted May 24, 2013 Is it a done deal no matter how many Juryo demotions? I'm happy for him.Nothing is 100% with these guys, but yes, it's a done deal.Unless it isn't, but it should be. Should indeed be pretty much guaranteed with a Yusho performance from his rank. Kizenryu (then Kamei) did it from exactly the same spot last basho. Lucky number 7e? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vikanohara 171 Posted May 24, 2013 Did Takanoyama get robbed today ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yorikiried by fate 1,842 Posted May 24, 2013 I think I saw him talking to a policeman, but I don't know what it was about. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Asojima 2,844 Posted May 24, 2013 Did Takanoyama get robbed today ? Looked like a good call to me. Check his left heel. Simultaneous exit. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yorikiried by fate 1,842 Posted May 24, 2013 Toyonoshima could be a candidate for Kotooshu. It will be Shohozan (who hails from the same ichimon, if that counts anything these days...) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 42,292 Posted May 24, 2013 Toyonoshima could be a candidate for Kotooshu. It will be Shohozan (who hails from the same ichimon, if that counts anything these days...) Good choice- Shouhouzan does not "play". 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Masumasumasu 902 Posted May 24, 2013 The silverback wins again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ArchangelEST 13 Posted May 24, 2013 And the race continues for the Yusho. In addition Kotooshu is still in danger and so is Goeido. :) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Asashosakari 17,280 Posted May 24, 2013 Toyonoshima could be a candidate for Kotooshu.It will be Shohozan (who hails from the same ichimon, if that counts anything these days...)Good choice- Shouhouzan does not "play".Does it matter, considering who waits on Day 15? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ALAKTORN 346 Posted May 24, 2013 Hakuhō is fucking immense. Kisenosato also doing great. Tomorrow is gonna be an epic day! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 42,292 Posted May 24, 2013 Toyonoshima could be a candidate for Kotooshu.It will be Shohozan (who hails from the same ichimon, if that counts anything these days...)Good choice- Shouhouzan does not "play".Does it matter, considering who waits on Day 15? I think Kakuryuu doesn't play either, but we'll have to see.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Morty 1,431 Posted May 24, 2013 This is the second time I've noticed what appears to be Hakuho slapping his opponent really hard in the side of their belly. Is that a common technique or just something he personally uses to break the opponent's concentration? I'll be watching for it again when he meets Kise and they get stuck in a hold. Is he slapping, like, the protruding belly? Or is he striking at the trunk, like a boxer? This time he did it with his left hand so it was hidden behind his opponent but it was really loud. When I noticed it in a match last year I think it was his right hand on the side of the belly and it was after they had fought to a stand still for several seconds like today. He did it again today against Giku right before he threw him. Before that however he easily broke Giku's hold on his mawashi with a simple shoulder shrug. He does this all the time, little movements, total concentration, total awareness of where he is, his opponent, how to win from where he is. He is simply so much better than every other rikishi going around today, and while others might get on top of him occasionally, no-one is in his league when he's on song. Kise is looking good, but I think Hak's looking better. We'll see tomorrow:) 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doitsuyama 1,157 Posted May 24, 2013 Toyonoshima could be a candidate for Kotooshu. It will be Shohozan (who hails from the same ichimon, if that counts anything these days...) Good choice- Shouhouzan does not "play". Well, he "played" something different and paid for it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aderechelsea 107 Posted May 24, 2013 so .... that is why i like Shohozan so much .... we share the same hobbies ... (In jonokuchi...) i completely missed this story back when it was out. Nice ..... he is moving up a spot in my "favourites list" and from now on he is tied in second place with the Gorilla. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
