Basho Talk - Kyushu Basho 2015 +++ Spoiler Alert! +++

[Irakusamaru 77]

The unusual length of time it took Terunofuji to dispatch Ichinojo compared to previous bouts makes me wonder if it was due to Teru's knee holding him back or Ichinojo getting stronger. Most likely the former. I was nervous because Kintamayama's update leading into the basho said Teru wasn't winning matches in keiko when he had to hold his ground, but he definitely managed this time.

Maybe a bit of both. Ichinojo seemed a bit more fired up versus Hakuho tonight - Hak won, but he had to put some effort in. Teru's definitely protecting his knee - I don't think he resisted Tochiozan 100% at the tawara tonight.

Yoshikaze now 2-0 - for after-bout interviews. Is there a query on Sumo Reference for stats on this?

[orandashoho 720]

The great sand storm blows another kinboshi again...

[Katooshu 2,706]

Glad to see Osu get a big win and another kinboshi. I'm hoping he gets his KK and a komusubi spot frees up for him to take....I think his sumo is lower sanyaku already but obviously things have to come together on the banzuke.

As has been mentioned, it didn't seem as if Teru put up full resistance when he was put in a vulnerable position. I don't like seeing him in that condition and as a fan of his I'll be satisfied simply if he avoids kaboban.

Edited November 9, 2015 by Kotooshu's Revenge

[egparis18 622]

The unusual length of time it took Terunofuji to dispatch Ichinojo compared to previous bouts makes me wonder if it was due to Teru's knee holding him back or Ichinojo getting stronger. Most likely the former. I was nervous because Kintamayama's update leading into the basho said Teru wasn't winning matches in keiko when he had to hold his ground, but he definitely managed this time.

Maybe a bit of both. Ichinojo seemed a bit more fired up versus Hakuho tonight - Hak won, but he had to put some effort in. Teru's definitely protecting his knee - I don't think he resisted Tochiozan 100% at the tawara tonight.

Yoshikaze now 2-0 - for after-bout interviews. Is there a query on Sumo Reference for stats on this?

They've had two bouts that lasted more than 4 minutes - January and March, if I remember rightly. Ichinojo won the first and Terunofuji the second. Then Ichi's form went to hell, but he'll get it back. I hope Terunofuji doesn't damage his knee permanently - better to withdraw than have that happen.

[shumitto 417]

I just have this utter dislike of Gagamaru and Aoiyama(...) Why not be a relatively slimmer and sleeker gaijin like Tochinoshin or Amuuru when that works so well for them?

I think you kind of answered your own question. You don't like them, that's why you want to see their styles changed. I admit I am not a fan of the Bulgarian, but their sumo work quite well. Given, were they a little less heavy they could fare a bit better as Kaisei did when he was. Regarding weight It is more a matter of what they can than what they want, I suppose.

He will likely disappoint me soon, but I liked Goeido on the first two days. I was already picturing him losing to wily Toyonoshima by slippiotoshi or the like, but surprisingly he managed a good grip and won. Already disappointing is Kisenosato, but it is not too bad to lose to a future Dai-Yokozuna.

Aki could have turned out to be Asasekiryu's last bow in Makuuchi, it was not and by the way things are going, it will be tough for him.

It looks like another Hakuho yusho. He will have to exert himself a bit more this time, but I don't see anyone taking it from him.

Edited November 9, 2015 by shumitto

[Katooshu 2,706]

The unusual length of time it took Terunofuji to dispatch Ichinojo compared to previous bouts makes me wonder if it was due to Teru's knee holding him back or Ichinojo getting stronger. Most likely the former. I was nervous because Kintamayama's update leading into the basho said Teru wasn't winning matches in keiko when he had to hold his ground, but he definitely managed this time.

I'm happy to see Shohozan back in makuuchi and making Gagamaru belly-flop. Gagamaru losing and Shohozan winning are two of my favorite things to see, and when I can get them at the same time, even better.

Every time I see Aoiyama get totally clowned I always wonder how he's ranked so high. When against a lower ranked opponent he looks competent, but whenever he goes up against sanyaku he just looks like a clumsy fool. I don't know why I just have this utter dislike of Gagamaru and Aoiyama, I think it's because they're always slipping and falling all over themselves, to the point where it feels like their girth is of no use and hurting them more than helping. Why not be a relatively slimmer and sleeker gaijin like Tochinoshin or Amuuru when that works so well for them?

Totally get what you mean.

I'm a fan of Gagamaru but he's looked so poor lately (can hardly move without falling over) that I'm almost glad to see him repeatedly MK'ing.

[Jakusotsu 5,192]

Already disappointing is Kisenosato, but it is not too bad to lose to a future Dai-Yokozuna.

(Cheers...)

[Kotogouryuu 118]

Totally get what you mean.

I'm a fan of Gagamaru but he's looked so poor lately (can hardly move without falling over) that I'm almost glad to see him repeatedly MK'ing.

When I started watching sumo, Gagamaru was one of the first who caught my attention, due to his size. So I have soft spot for him. He does move slow, but when he manages to bulldoze he is still impressive. Lower maegashira is a good place for him.

[Gurowake 3,684]

While I wasn't around back when he was coming up, there apparently were numerous people on this board who found it unfathomable that Gagamaru even became a sekitori. He basically has the poor figure that most people think of with sumo wrestlers, when the Yokozuna are clearly quite more athletic-looking. It's somewhat embarrassing to fans of the sport to have such a stereotype do well.

[Arashifuji 10]

I'm really new to this forum and to sumo in general. Have been watching since Harumafuji's promotion to yokozuna. So, please, have patience with any blunders from me

About Ama and Osuna's bout: it was kind of unexpected, due to the styles of both rikishi, that it became a belt match so quickly. And, due to the egyptian's sheer strength, it became almost a mismatch. Even with Ama's ability, Osuna was able to take the offense and win.

Sad to see Teru struggle with his knee. Hoping to see it properly healed. Too much potential to be lost in a busted knee.

Yoshikaze is on fire! It will be fun to see how many times he can bulldoze the big dogs.

The kid Mitakeumi is looking good, quite quick fella.

Aoiyama sometimes looks like a truck going downhill with no brakes. His body control is quite bad. Gagamaru's strength is one-directional. Push him back and he is toasted.

And my fellow countryman Kaisei would really use some more speed. He seems to have some problems to keep his leverage. Some more speed would improve his momentum. Not always bigger is stronger.

Things are going to Hakuho, but lots of good stuff in the horizon for this basho! Hope to keep learning from all of you guys!

[CT3* 331]

I like Gagamaru. To my eyes, his biggest issue is his balance/footwork. He's vulnerable when forced to move laterally or forced to move his feet too quickly.

[808morgan 796]

The great sand storm blows another kinboshi again...

The Sand Storm did a good job, I don't think Ama is himself yet. Hopefully he comes back. Blowing it usually means screwing up in my experience, he didn't blow it. Although sand storms blow, so...

Edited November 10, 2015 by 808morgan

[Irakusamaru 77]

The unusual length of time it took Terunofuji to dispatch Ichinojo compared to previous bouts makes me wonder if it was due to Teru's knee holding him back or Ichinojo getting stronger. Most likely the former. I was nervous because Kintamayama's update leading into the basho said Teru wasn't winning matches in keiko when he had to hold his ground, but he definitely managed this time.

Maybe a bit of both. Ichinojo seemed a bit more fired up versus Hakuho tonight - Hak won, but he had to put some effort in. Teru's definitely protecting his knee - I don't think he resisted Tochiozan 100% at the tawara tonight.

Yoshikaze now 2-0 - for after-bout interviews. Is there a query on Sumo Reference for stats on this?

They've had two bouts that lasted more than 4 minutes - January and March, if I remember rightly. Ichinojo won the first and Terunofuji the second. Then Ichi's form went to hell, but he'll get it back. I hope Terunofuji doesn't damage his knee permanently - better to withdraw than have that happen.

I'd forgotten about those long bouts!

Yeah, I think Teru will pick his fights. No point destroying your body to (maybe) beat a tough opponent early in the basho. Reckon he'll KK with his easier fights, but won't be as spectacular as the past couple of bashos.

[Seijakuzan 59]

Already disappointing is Kisenosato, but it is not too bad to lose to a future Dai-Yokozuna.

(Cheers...)

Yoshikaze's one of my favorites, too, but let's not get ahead of ourselves, here...

The great sand storm blows another kinboshi again...

He did a good job, I don't think Ama is himself yet. Hopefully he comes back. Blowing it usually means screwing up in my experience, he didn't blow it. Although sand storms blow, so...

The great sandstorm blows his way to another kinboshi. Hm... one step forward, two steps back on that wording.

[Kurikara 28]

I'm not convinced by Hakuho at all and would be surprised if he didn't pick up two or three losses the way he looks. Same goes for the other two yokozuna, so no idea who's going to take home this one. Here's hoping for a surprise winner.

[Asojima 2,844]

I'm not convinced by Hakuho at all and would be surprised if he didn't pick up two or three losses the way he looks. Same goes for the other two yokozuna, so no idea who's going to take home this one. Here's hoping for a surprise winner.

The top four are all walking wounded. This basho started as a good opportunity for Kisenosato to do the Japanese breakthrough, but he has already started his meltdown routine. Now, it is ???Yoshikaze?!?!? at 33 yoa.

[Kuroyama 715]

I wish Terunofuji would consider withdrawing. He's not going to do well anyway, and only risks worsening his knee. Better to accept a kadoban which may well be in the offiing regardless and give himself more time to heal.

[Kurikara 28]

I'm not convinced by Hakuho at all and would be surprised if he didn't pick up two or three losses the way he looks. Same goes for the other two yokozuna, so no idea who's going to take home this one. Here's hoping for a surprise winner.

The top four are all walking wounded. This basho started as a good opportunity for Kisenosato to do the Japanese breakthrough, but he has already started his meltdown routine. Now, it is ???Yoshikaze?!?!? at 33 yoa.

Well, he would be the obvious candidate but it's just so damn hard to imagine..... :-) Let's see how he does tomorrow..

[Morty 1,433]

I'm not convinced by Hakuho at all and would be surprised if he didn't pick up two or three losses the way he looks. Same goes for the other two yokozuna, so no idea who's going to take home this one. Here's hoping for a surprise winner.

The top four are all walking wounded. This basho started as a good opportunity for Kisenosato to do the Japanese breakthrough, but he has already started his meltdown routine. Now, it is ???Yoshikaze?!?!? at 33 yoa.

Well, he would be the obvious candidate but it's just so damn hard to imagine..... :-) Let's see how he does tomorrow..

I would absolutely lose my shit if Yoshikaze took the yusho. He has been one of my favourites since I came back to sumo in 2010 and it would be awesome to see him take the yusho. Maybe a late career ozeki run as well?!? While I can't see either happening a man can dream... maybe if he gets over the Geek today I'll really start to believe it. As Kintamayama said yesterday on his video digest these wins aren't flukes, he is genuinely matching it with the top guys and beating them fair and square

[Kurikara 28]

I'm not convinced by Hakuho at all and would be surprised if he didn't pick up two or three losses the way he looks. Same goes for the other two yokozuna, so no idea who's going to take home this one. Here's hoping for a surprise winner.

The top four are all walking wounded. This basho started as a good opportunity for Kisenosato to do the Japanese breakthrough, but he has already started his meltdown routine. Now, it is ???Yoshikaze?!?!? at 33 yoa.

Well, he would be the obvious candidate but it's just so damn hard to imagine..... :-) Let's see how he does tomorrow..

I would absolutely lose my shit if Yoshikaze took the yusho. He has been one of my favourites since I came back to sumo in 2010 and it would be awesome to see him take the yusho. Maybe a late career ozeki run as well?!? While I can't see either happening a man can dream... maybe if he gets over the Geek today I'll really start to believe it. As Kintamayama said yesterday on his video digest these wins aren't flukes, he is genuinely matching it with the top guys and beating them fair and square

Yes, I was thinking about Kintamayama's quote too... But somehow it still feels like the longest fluke ever. I'm happy for him though and hope he can keep this momentum going. I don't know much about the man but somehow he seems like a nice guy.

[rzombie1988 157]

Ichinojo hasn't looked good at all so far. He ran out of gas on the first day. Running of gas, in a sub-minute sumo bout. Both today and yesterday there were times where it looked like he just stood up and was doing nothing.

Re: Gagamaru and Aoiyama

I seriously have no idea how Gagamaru stays in the top division. I don't mind his style but you'd think he'd learn how not to flop after it happening 30+ times to him. Aoiyama isn't much different. A shame too as Aoiyama is a better Gagamaru and with some effort he could be something.

Edited November 10, 2015 by rzombie1988

[CT3* 331]

Seems folks have quickly forgotten that Gagamaru started the year off in Juryo.

But after being demoted, he handled his business and worked his way back into Makuuchi. He came back at Maegashira 15 and worked his way up to Maegashira 6 and held that rank for two consecutive basho.

He belongs.

Edited November 10, 2015 by CT3*

[Seijakuzan 59]

I seriously have no idea how Gagamaru stays in the top division. I don't mind his style but you'd think he'd learn how not to flop after it happening 30+ times to him. Aoiyama isn't much different. A shame too as Aoiyama is a better Gagamaru and with some effort he could be something.

Both of them have remarkably improved their balance over the last couple of years, even if there's still a long way to go.

Aoiyama would be an Ozeki in no time if he would just smash face right off the tachiai a la Akebono. He usually spends too long on the collision and trying to break the hold before he starts the chokeslamming. Going for the belt initially works for him against the maegashira, but not the sanyaku/yokozunae.

This Aoiyama:

Not this Aoiyama:

https://youtu.be/YwF0QmnZU44?t=2m43s

[Asashosakari 17,346]

That tachiai by Gagamaru on Day 2...I'm not sure it's possible to be even more blatant about not putting your hand down.

[Asashosakari 17,346]

Makushita-joi was worth the price of admission on Day 2, by the way.

Glorious henka fail:

An all-around excellent bout:

And some good old-fashioned wacky hijinx: