Preparations of the masses-July 2015

[ScreechingOwl 343]

As I recall, Endo almost certainly tore his ACL on day 5 in Haru back in March. It may have been a partial tare or a complete rupture. Partial tares sometimes can heal naturally (i.e., without surgery) given at least three months of rest. Since Endo competed in Hatsu he did not have three months of rest. Complete tares do not heal on their own. Regardless of how significant Endo's tare was initially, I think it's reasonable to say because of the stress he has to put on his knee during training and competition his tare is highly unlikely to ever mend completely without surgery. Not this basho, not this year, never. The "logical" course, and one that would be taken in almost any other sport, would be surgery. He'd have to miss at least two basho, probably three. (The typical recovery time in baseball is six months, although I have seen some players come back marginally sooner.)

The point is until such surgery occurs, Endo will not be participating in any basho at full strength. I'm not predicting he'll go kyujo in Nagoya. He managed to muddle through Natsu. He obviously has made some adjustments, and maybe, like Aminishiki, he'll be able to compete day in, day out. I understand that this is sumo, and most rikishi not named Kyokutenho are competing with some body parts not at 100%. But Endo will be competing with a significant injury. It's really a shame to see a rising star treated in this manner, though, in my opinion.

Edited July 5, 2015 by ScreechingOwl

[Asojima 2,874]

At this time, it is safe to assume that it is a partial tear, severity unknown to us, but probably moderate to low, given his response. It is likely being treated with extensive physical therapy to redevelop the muscle around the knee to provide additional support to the knee and to lessen the stress on the ACL. Off camera, he is probably also using some support bracing. Like Aminishiki, he is probably developing techniques which place less stress on the knee and minimize the chance of getting caught with the knee in a bad position. He may never be back to 100%, but with some intelligent handling, he can have a prolonged and prosperous career without surgery.

[Benevolance 2,534]

At least Endo has the background and talent to hone a skillset that works around his injury.

[Masumasumasu 902]

http://youtu.be/K0IEy9l4IGY

[Akinomaki 41,852]

A very long interview with Ichinojo, 8 pages. Some highlights:
- double digits are his aim for Nagoya, a good result, to quickly catch up with Terunofuji
- yokozuna is his goal, but all present are different types, that makes him think
- the tachi-ai is what he wants to concentrate on the most, to succeed with his favorite migi-yotsu - else he can't get a hold on the mawashi with the left. He also wants to add more flexibility (to his sumo or to his body)
- thigh size is about 105cm.
- fully adapted to Japan and loving Japanese food: sashimi, sushi and kani-miso (brown crab meat)
- of course also sweet food: but as not to gain more weight, he doesn't eat much of it, the o-kami-san tells him not to, but not that much else
- looking for a girlfriend
- got bitten as a child in the buttocks once by a dog and once by a horse
- saw a wolf in the daylight, a sign of luck in Mongolia, but he was small then and very afraid.

http://www.sanspo.com/sports/news/20150707/sum15070710000004-n3.html

Edited July 7, 2015 by Akinomaki

[ScottyJoyJrBebe 97]

A very long interview with Ichinojo, 8 pages. Some highlights:

- double digits are his aim for Nagoya, a good result, to quickly catch up with Terunofuji

- yokozuna is his goal, but all present are different types, that makes him think

- the tachi-ai is what he wants to concentrate on the most, to succeed with his favorite migi-yotsu - else he can't get a hold on the mawashi with the left. He also wants to add more flexibility (to his sumo or to his body)

- thigh size is about 105cm.

- fully adapted to Japan and loving Japanese food: sashimi, sushi and kani-miso (brown crab meat)

- of course also sweet food: but as not to gain more weight, he doesn't eat much of it, the o-kami-san tells him not to, but not that much else

- looking for a girlfriend

- got bitten as a child in the buttocks once by a dog and once by a horse

- saw a wolf in the daylight, a sign of luck in Mongolia, but he was small then and very afraid.

http://www.sanspo.com/sports/news/20150707/sum15070710000004-n3.html

Thank you so much for this. I'm a MAJOR Ichinojo fan, and any news is great. Would you happen to know if any "fan club" or "fan organization" exists? I've googled for hours, but can find nothing. I actually wanted to send him a postcard from here, but was afraid it wouldnt get delivered because it would be in english, and also because he probably gets about ten thousand a day. Double Digits wins shouldnt be an issue, GO ICHINOJO and thanks again.

[Kintamayama 47,359]

Kyokutenhou will be entering his 99th Makuuchi basho. and is aiming for KaioU's record of 107. He will be 41 in September and will reach 100 Makuuchi bashos, but needs 6 wins to assure his stay in Makuuchi. "After all these years, I can't say that I will continue even if I drop to Juryo.. I am nervous in a good way," he said. He found out that he had a urinary stone right before last basho but says he has no pain. He trained today at Hakuhou's Miyagino beya but did only light exercises. "I didn't have the courage to face the Yokozuna.. My condition is as usual," he added.

[Kintamayama 47,359]

Things are hectic at Sakaigawa beya. Many Makuuchi rikishi. Komusubi Myougiryuu trained with Toyohibiki - 20 bouts. "It's going to be fun. The first three days are critical. I hope to get double digit wins, " he said.

West Maegashira 1 Sadanoumi borrowed Ozeki Goueidou's chest for 37 bouts. "It's hard to face all the high ranking rikishi from Day 1of the basho, but all I can do is try to be quick at the tachiai and win at the onset.." he said.

Edited July 8, 2015 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 47,359]

And Ichinojou? He went for degeiko to Sadogatake beya yesterday and continues to "try out stuff". He faced Kotoyuuki for 8 bouts and was 4-4, trying out a left hand grip after the tachiai. "I'm checking stuff out.." he observed yet again and is far from being in basho shape, adds the reporter. He will be getting quite a few kensho on his bouts this basho and is working hard to perfect that "Ichinojou style."

Edited July 9, 2015 by Kintamayama

[egparis18 622]

Ichinojou is despondent as usual. Yesterday he was looking "sluggish" at the Nishonoseki Ichimon rengo keiko and was 3-6. When he was faced with a quick attack, all he could do was scratch his head in bewilderment. He is aiming for double-digit wins in Nagoya. "My body is heavy. When I get first-stepped, I cannot react. I need to pile up those keiko sessions.." he said.

After the bouts he did some butsugari with Kisenosato and was all sandy and exhausted again. "I'd like to gambarize and return the favor (by beating him)," added Ichinojou.

GO ICHINOJO. You can do it.

Fonce plein-pot Ichinojo.

[Yubinhaad 11,977]

Bit late, but here are a few pictures from the Nishonoseki rengo keiko sessions.

Kisenosato warming up with suriashi.

Kakuryu warming up on the teppo pole. [2]

Kisenosato again, waiting to join the fray.

Takekaze and non-ichimon guest Ichinojo watch the action.

Shohozan.

Kisenosato and Kakuryu in action.

Kisenosato has some sand cleaned from his chonmage by a tsukebito.

Refocusing, I guess.

And finally, Kisenosato lends his chest to Ichinojo. [4]

And some shots from Tagonoura-beya keiko sessions.

Wakanosato does matawari as some younger rikishi do push-ups in the dohyo.

Wakanosato now pumping some iron.

Kisenosato relaxing, then warming up with suriashi. [2]

Takayasu and Kisenosato prepare for a bout.

Once again Takayasu is covered in sand as he does butsugari-keiko with Wakanosato. [4]

Kisenosato and Wakanosato were in a relaxed mood. [2]

Tagonofuji and rookie Suzune were working hard. [3]

Finally, three shots from Hakuho's visit to Tagonoura, as detailed here by Kintamayama.

Lastly, I thought this was a cool picture of the three Yokozuna, at the Atsuta shrine last week.

[inhashi 2,363]

Refocusing, I guess.

I always wonder what goes on in Kisenosato's mind and his frequent one-on-one's with the wall.

[Naganoyama 6,043]

...

Takayasu and Kisenosato prepare for a bout.

...

Is that a mirror near the dohyo? I would have thought that might be a bit dangerous with rikishi crashing around.

[luispereira 383]

Very cool :>

[kuroimori 1,634]

...Takayasu and Kisenosato prepare for a bout....

Is that a mirror near the dohyo? I would have thought that might be a bit dangerous with rikishi crashing around.

I thought it is Kagamio in Transformer-mode... ;-)

[Kintamayama 47,359]

Ex- Sekiwake and current Juryo 11 west Wakanosato celebrated his 39th birthday today, with his back to the wall. "My body is worn out but I'm happy that I'm still active. I guess it's probably going to be tough continuing this next year, but I'd like to go on for another basho- heck, I'd settle for another day.. " he said, visibly moved. Today he did some light training with guys from Makushita and lower at his heya. He is in the midst of a 3 basho makekoshi run that has dropped him perilously close to a Makushita demotion and certain retirement. "As I'm in a dangerous banzuke position, I'd like to start with a win. I hope to somehow get my kachikoshi," he said quietly.

[Kintamayama 47,359]

First time sanyaku Komusubi Takarafuji will be facing Yokozuna Hakuhou on day 1. "All righty then, I can only gambarize. It's good, right?" he said after training. Their past meetings show a 0-8 record. Still, he has gotten stronger lately and confident. "It will be great if I just go all out and do my best Sumo and stir up some excitement!!" he said.

[egparis18 622]

Some pictures from Katsuragi, Nara prefecture, where Tagonoura-beya is holding a training camp.

Kisenosato warming up before getting on the dohyo. [3]

The feet of a rikishi take a real battering, so it's important to take care of them. Takayasu tapes up his feet before keiko begins.

Kisenosato and Takayasu had a series of practice bouts. [6]

Takayasu then took on lower-ranked stablemate Tagonofuji. [3]

Veterans Wakanosato and Terunosato take it easy on the sidelines.

Kisenosato takes a break to look after his own feet.

Wakanosato does some push-ups against the dohyo. [3]

Takayasu takes a breather.

After that, he returned to the dohyo where he was on the end of some vigorous butsugari-keiko from Kisenosato. [9]

Later, a couple of comedians took part in some fun sumo. Wakanosato helped them get ready beforehand, and Takayasu showed them to the floor. [4]

Sekizuka, who celebrated his first-ever kachi-koshi in the Natsu basho, participated in jinku singing and a talk-show type thing.

Finally, Kisenosato signs autographs and poses for a picture with a small fan. [4]

Thank you very much.

[egparis18 622]

Refocusing, I guess.

I always wonder what goes on in Kisenosato's mind and his frequent one-on-one's with the wall.

Me too.

[Yubinhaad 11,977]

Tatsunami-oyakata (former Komusubi Asahiyutaka) will join the shimpan crew as of the Nagoya basho, taking the place of former Ozeki Takanonami who passed away last month.

Some dohyo preparation pictures from the Kyokai.

Using an otako to hammer down the top of the dohyo.

Yuji and Hiromasa hammer the side of the dohyo with a kotako, guided by Kaito.

More work on the top of the dohyo. [2]

Tawara production. [3]

More hammering on the top, now with a tataki. [2]

Carving out the groove for the tawara. [2]

Placing the shobudawara, the bales of the main ring. It is made of sixteen tawara in total, four in each of the four sections, with a tokudawara set just outside the gaps in between. [2]

Digging the groove and placing the kadodawara, the straight bales which line the edges of the dohyo. Each side consists of seven tawara. [3]

Yobidashi Masao places one of the agedawara, the corner bales.

And a look at the dohyo after the first day of tawara fitting.

Next, the yobidashi create the ten steps in the sides of the dohyo. [3]

Carving out the hole in the centre of the dohyo, in which the shizumemono will be placed in tomorrow's dohyo-matsuri. [2]

Carving out the recess which holds the mizuoke, the water pail. [2]

The completed dohyo.

Attaching the decorative curtains and tassles to the tsuriyane. [2]

A yobidashi checks that the tsuriyane is at the correct height with a measuring stick.

Finally, observed by a visiting party of schoolchildren, Teruya paints the shikiri-sen onto the dohyo. [2]

If you didn't fancy scrolling through that lot, here's a high-speed video showing the arena preparations in the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium a couple of years ago.

Elsewhere, some of the gyoji are also involved in preparations for the basho.

Here, they are arranging the name cards which will be used by the announcer gyoji in the arena. Each card displays a rikishi's shikona, hometown and heya and will be announced over the PA system during the shikiri for each bout.

Another gyoji is in the process of writing the itabanzuke.

And finally, others are writing the maki, the long scrolls of paper which will be used by the torikumi committee during the basho to decide who fights who. [2]

A brief visit to Dewanoumi-beya, really only notable for one last look at senior tokoyama Tokoyasu, who reached the mandatory retirement age a few days ago.

We start in the keikoba, where shin-Juryo Mitakeumi is lending his chest to Dewanojo.

Mitakeumi and Dewahayate prepare for a practice bout. The shisho (former Maegashira Oginohana) is seen in the second picture keeping an eye on his troops. [2]

Former Juryo Dewahayate, ranked at Makushita 4w this basho.

Shin-Juryo Mitakeumi.

Tokoyasu (left) retires after almost 49 years as a tokoyama. Dewanoumi-beya has one other tokoyama to take his place, Tokoriki (right), who has been in the job for only four years.

Finally, here's a higher-quality picture of Mitakeumi in the white keiko mawashi of a sekitori. He will wear a purple mawashi for his bouts in the Nagoya basho, I understand.

A party from Kasugano-beya recently paid a visit to Kasuga Elementary School in Ibigawa, Gifu prefecture. The small school is situated in a mountainous area and has only 25 pupils. Mihogaseki-oyakata (former Maegashira Tochisakae) took with him three lower division rikishi, Kaorufuji and Gifu natives Tochigidake and Nagao, and after joining the kids for lunch they all had some sumo fun. [7]

Edited July 10, 2015 by Yubinhaad

[egparis18 622]

Tatsunami-oyakata (former Komusubi Asahiyutaka) will join the shimpan crew as of the Nagoya basho, taking the place of former Ozeki Takanonami who passed away last month.

Some dohyo preparation pictures from the Kyokai.

Using an otako to hammer down the top of the dohyo.

Yuji and Hiromasa hammer the side of the dohyo with a kotako, guided by Kaito.

More work on the top of the dohyo. [2]

Tawara production. [3]

More hammering on the top, now with a tataki. [2]

Carving out the groove for the tawara. [2]

Placing the shobudawara, the bales of the main ring. It is made of sixteen tawara in total, four in each of the four sections, with a tokudawara set just outside the gaps in between. [2]

Digging the groove and placing the kadodawara, the straight bales which line the edges of the dohyo. Each side consists of seven tawara. [3]

Yobidashi Masao places one of the agedawara, the corner bales.

And a look at the dohyo after the first day of tawara fitting.

Next, the yobidashi create the ten steps in the sides of the dohyo. [3]

Carving out the hole in the centre of the dohyo, in which the shizumemono will be placed in tomorrow's dohyo-matsuri. [2]

Carving out the recess which holds the mizuoke, the water pail. [2]

The completed dohyo.

Attaching the decorative curtains and tassles to the tsuriyane. [2]

A yobidashi checks that the tsuriyane is at the correct height with a measuring stick.

Finally, observed by a visiting party of schoolchildren, Teruya paints the shikiri-sen onto the dohyo. [2]

If you didn't fancy scrolling through that lot, here's a high-speed video showing the arena preparations in the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium a couple of years ago.

Elsewhere, some of the gyoji are also involved in preparations for the basho.

Here, they are arranging the name cards which will be used by the announcer gyoji in the arena. Each card displays a rikishi's shikona, hometown and heya and will be announced over the PA system during the shikiri for each bout.

Another gyoji is in the process of writing the itabanzuke.

And finally, others are writing the maki, the long scrolls of paper which will be used by the torikumi committee during the basho to decide who fights who. [2]

A brief visit to Dewanoumi-beya, really only notable for one last look at senior tokoyama Tokoyasu, who reached the mandatory retirement age a few days ago.

We start in the keikoba, where shin-Juryo Mitakeumi is lending his chest to Dewanojo.

Mitakeumi and Dewahayate prepare for a practice bout. The shisho (former Maegashira Oginohana) is seen in the second picture keeping an eye on his troops. [2]

Former Juryo Dewahayate, ranked at Makushita 4w this basho.

Shin-Juryo Mitakeumi.

Tokoyasu (left) retires after almost 49 years as a tokoyama. Dewanoumi-beya has one other tokoyama to take his place, Tokoriki (right), who has been in the job for only four years.

Finally, here's a higher-quality picture of Mitakeumi in the white keiko mawashi of a sekitori. He will wear a purple mawashi for his bouts in the Nagoya basho, I understand.

A party from Kasugano-beya recently paid a visit to Kasuga Elementary School in Ibigawa, Gifu prefecture. The small school is situated in a mountainous area and has only 25 pupils. Mihogaseki-oyakata (former Maegashira Tochisakae) took with him three lower division rikishi, Kaorufuji and Gifu natives Tochigidake and Nagao, and after joining the kids for lunch they all had some sumo fun. [7]

Thank you.

[Kintamayama 47,359]

"My injury is healing. I think I will do much better than last basho," said Endou after he had 10 training bouts at home against Juryo Daieishou and winning 8. "He will probably be nervous on day 1 but it will be a great step forward if he wins. If he loses, he may repeat last basho (6 straight losses on the first 6 days).." said Oitekaze Oyakata.

[Manekineko 200]

Love the one with smoke rising from the shisho(?). :-D

[Jakusotsu 6,402]

Nobody shouting "book!"?

[Kintamayama 47,359]

Nobody shouting "book!"?

Just a minute.. I just got here..

BOOOOK!!!