I am new, my name is Kagamifuji

[Jonosuke 28]

It sort of didn't click on me intitiallywho you are but your middle name is Mitchell, right?

You injured your right knee ligaments in early December 2002 (December 6) and then just prior to the Hatsu Basho your injured your left knee ligaments.

You had a bout and then went on kyujo on the Day 3 of the Hatsu Basho 2003.

After the Hatsu Basho you asked to go home because your dad is a soldier and called up for a duty abroad.

But you never returned on the date you were supposed to go back to the heya so your shisho forwarded your retirement paper to the Kyokai office.

I think I am about 80% correct...

It's great to have an ex-rikishi around here. You may be young but you have twice more experience than most people do.

I hope you still remember Japanese. You never know when it comes in handy.

Edited October 18, 2004 by Jonosuke

[Kagamifuji Iumu 1]

my middle name is actually Michael, but they couldnt pronounce it so it became Mitchell. wow, where do you guys find this stuff. i had no clue anyone knew what happend. The #1 biggest reason for me coming back was my knee injuries. I injured both knees, very shortly one after the other. Just as the right was healing, the left went out. I was in casts on both legs for a while. sitting around losing strenth and spirit. then my dad was being deployed over to iraq for his bloody stupid war. so i came back to see him off. My knees were still soo bad when I got here I thought that it would be no good to go back and try. and to be honest, I was 15 years old and scared. I know it sounds silly, but imagine yourself at 15, and think of what you were like, then tell me what you think. I really want to go back, but beside the kyokai rules, my knees are still very touchy. i was running really fast chasing someone, and my right knee gave me the same thing again, water on the knee w/blood and everything. I still remember some Japanese. some time I will explain more of my thing in detail. i just type slow, big fingers, little keys

Edited October 19, 2004 by Kagamifuji Iumu

[Jonosuke 28]

I was 15 years old and scared.

And most of us will be scared as well in a strange land with strange culture not fully understanding the language especially with dayily grinds of keiko and chores...and not even 16 years old.

That age most Japanese kids are playing PlayStation and asking their mom for allowance so they can have a bowl of ramen after their school.

So you've no need to explain yourself. I admire your guts and patienece.

I think you should be able to accomplish much more in the future if you remember what you went through in those five months.

But first you need to get your knees fixed. Once that's done, you can start working out again and build up your body. You remember a story of Bob Sapp (Japanese Martial Arts K-1). He was cut twice from NFL but then he started working out, joined K-1 and became a star in K-1. Perhaps if you are still interested in martial arts/wrestling, then your ex-rikishi experience may open a door for you in Japan (so try to keep up on your Japanese).

You are still young and I believe you still have a plenty of opportunities left to make use of your sumo experience but you need to get physically better.

By the way you are still in the sumo record books. Between November 2002 to January 2003, you are recorded as the youngest rikishi in Ozumo. This record will stay in their book forever. Man, you were still 15 years old then. Amazing.

Edited October 19, 2004 by Jonosuke

[Zenjimoto 39]

Howdy Kagamifuji, good to have you here! Enjoy the forum, and looking forward to your continued insights... :-O

Cheers,

Zenjimoto, finally back in Florida!

[Kagamifuji Iumu 1]

i was actuallty there for eleven months. I started getting used to everything just when my knees blew. If they hadnt gone, i would have stayed. My brother who is now 19 was actually just weeks away from coming out there himself when i got injured. My brother and I both LOVE working out. If you've ever watched ESPN and seen "the Worlds Strongest Man Competition" that is the kind of thing I like to do. For training I pull my car with a special harness and chain. After keiko we would pull around a truck or car tire, I now pull full trucks and cars instead! Funny thing is, pulling my car doesnt hurt my knees, who knows ? Am I really in the sumo record book ? Where do you find out this stuff ? I guess I was the youngest guy there, but I had no clue. Thats nothing to brag about, now maybe if I had the most consecutive wins, or something like that I could boast a bit. Just kidding. that is kinda interesting though. Back to the physically better thing. I am in great shape still, but not as good as i was after I came back. Doing all that Shiko and everything helped me a lot. Even at 15 i could pick up Daiun (the big guy in kagamiyama beya) who is still wrestling but under a different shikona now. he was around 167 kilo's. gee's are you sure I cant go back ? even if i talk to some oyakata ?

[Jonosuke 28]

I imagine you still remember Taganomine and Kagamiryu. They now have three others who joined after you left - one of them Kagamiou is from Mongolia.

Anyway unfortunately once you leave the Kyokai, that is the final answer. You cannot go back. There are other things in Japan that may be of your interest like PRIDE or K-1 or even Japanese professional wrestling.

I am sure you can withstand the rigors of training with any of these outfits. I imagine even though you cannot go back and join, your old heya connection may be some use as if you explain to them honestly your situation back then, they will probably understand and possibly help you to find another path.

[Yangnomazuma 59]

Its not being nosy to ask why I left. hey whats your theory, humor me, come on.

I would have incorrectly guessed the movement of a military parent to Japan got you interested and a move away (coupled perhaps with injury) caused you to reconsider. Only correct that the move of a parent was a portion of the decision process and that injury played a part. Jonosuke-san has many answers - some about many things even the most avid fan wouldn't know. He is truly amazing.

As for you, I'm sorry to hear that injury played a major part in your decision. It would seem very hard to adapt to a vastly different lifestyle AND deal with injury. I also hope your Father is doing well - being a Korean linguist, Iraq/Afghanistan is not in my future, but I've much respect for those who have spent and will spend time over there.

I'd have to concur with other's sentiment and admit that I would've been hard pressed to make such a bold move at the young age of 15. I'd have to give you props on your brass cojones. Luckily for me, at 15 I knew nothing of Sumo and weighed somewhere near 120lbs (55kg). Not exactly the Sumo body ;-)

Other future paths of consideration might include Mongolian-style "sumo" or Korean Sirum. Although the skill sets are different, the necessary combination of strength, balance, and technique would seem to span all three. There are many Mongolian members here and I'm sure Jonosuke could hook you up with a contact or two who might even have some pull in that arena. BTW, does anyone know if foreigners are accepted in Mongolia and Korea? I can't remember a foreign sirum participant (at least at the competitive level).

[MongolPower 0]

WELCOME! If professional sumo doesn't work out Kagamifuji Iumu should compete in ametuer sumo. Since you are young sumo might become olympic event by the time you peak! So you can become olympian instead of sekitori.

[Kagamifuji Iumu 1]

Jonosuke, yes I remember Deka-san and Yas-san (i always called them that). Speaking of Kagamiyama beya rikishi, what happend to Ryudo (Takeshi-san) ? he was probably the best guy in our stable at the time I was there. I saw he retired, but can you find some more info for me please. And yes I have seen the other three guys at the stable. How would I go about geting into one of these other things such as K-1 and Pride and what not ? Or even Mongolian suumo.

Yangnomazuma, unlike yourself, at 15 I was almost 6 foot and weighed 300 plus. but it wasnt all fat, I have been working out since 14 and am actually quite solid.

MongolPower, I DO NOT want sumo to become an olympic sport. You guys may not feel the same as I do. But actually being inside sumo and living the sumo way and doing ALL things sumo I feel that it would be nothing but a disgrace to the sport. I would not at all mind being an olympian, but NOT sumo. These are just my feelings, and am very happy that the Kyokai decided against the bloody olympics, and hope they continue to vote against it until at least i'm dead so i dont have to watch it become something that it shouldnt be. Oh, got carried away. Sorry, but I do really feel strongly for the world of sumo.

[Otokonoyama 2,735]

Kagamifuji-zeki, did you ever see a doc (specialist) about your knees? I assume while you were still in sumo you did, but what about after your return to the States? Sports medicine is something that Japan trails the West in, and Ozumo in particular is not known for their attention to this issue. Top rikishi (such as Akebono and Takanohana) have recently begun traveling abroad for their treatments.

[Jonosuke 28]

Speaking of Kagamiyama beya rikishi, what happend to Ryudo (Takeshi-san) ? he was probably the best guy in our stable at the time I was there. I saw he retired, but can you find some more info for me please.

Kagamifuji san.

I tried checking about Ryudo but for this one I really don't find anything. There is a little information other than his stats. Basically at the May Basho he was Jonidan East 5 with two wins and 5 losses - the last four bouts he lost straight so he may likely had an injury during his fourth bout as at that time he had 2 wins and 1 loss (he did lose his fourth bout to make his record even and then lost three straight).

Then in the Nagoya Basho in July, he was kyujo and at the end of Nagoya, he was Intai - retired at Jonidan East 36. Either something happened in the May Basho or between the Nagoya and May Basho. Likely a severe injury or he may have left prior to the Nagoya started for some other reason. There is no mention of him at Kagami Beya news on that month except the oyakata's son joining the heya. My guess is that he injured or aggreavated a prior injury just before the Nagoya Basho in July last year.

I found a pic of an event in which Kagamiyama Beya rikishis were invited. I beleive there were only four rikishis including you at that time in December 2002.

As for K-1 or PRIDE, first you may want to find more about it. They both have a website so check Google on K-1 or PRIDE, both have English pages. I am sure you can send a letter to them perhaps you can contact Sentoryu or even Akebono telling them that you were a rikishi with Kagamiyama Beya and the reason for your leaving.

As for amateur scene, if you are thinking of getting an education, I am sure there are colleges and universities in your area that have amateur wrestling clubs. You probably can contact their coach.

In Japan there are certain universities that have good sumo clubs but chances are likely that you've got to go over there and see if you can be accepted. In SumoForum there is Amateur Sumo section where you can check which university has a credible sumo club.

That's just about all I can offer you now. Good luck.

[Sasanishiki 57]

OK, just a few random thoughts to enter.

In respect to K1, Ray Sefo from New Zealand was a local kickboxer (successful in Oceania) before joining a few years back. I also know in NZ that they have K1 qualifiers, so perhaps there is a US based organization that feeds directly in K1 events? I know they had the Las Vegas tournament recently...

Colleges in the US doing wrestling, or colleges in Japan doing sumo would be a way to combine an education with a sport for someone who is 'built'. The future path from a Japanese university would only likely lead to ozumo (although possibly to pro wrestling or K1 if you had contacts), and we have already established that that path is blocked.

As far as amateur sumo goes, the idea that it has a World Chmapionships, and the push for Olympic status are slightly different things. The World Champs have been going for over a decade. Although the push for Olympic acceptance is strong, particularly from the Japan Sumo Federation (the amateur sumo body in Japan, and sumo possibly being in the Olympics has nothing to do with the Nihon Sumo Kyokai as far as I'm aware), it is a dream. The world Champs is a reality and is a tournament that draws athletes from all over the world. Although Europe is well represented, many of the athletes are from judo or wrestling backgrounds, making the competition quite intense (some are superb athletes) and a little unpredictable at times. Wayne Vierra, also once in sumo, has gone back to amateur sumo in the US, and a number of lower ranked former rikishi still compete in amateur tournaments in Japan (though usually as a hobby and in their 30s or 40s). I believe Wayne is featured in the documentary Sumo: East and West, which has been shown on TV in the States.

Judo might be another similar sport to get into, and there is the ability to go to the Olympics (not sure about college scholarships though). There are bound to be loads of judo clubs in most cities in the US.

There are also a variety of other martial arts that can variously satisfy the competition aspect and/or the philosophical apsect of learning such a discipline. I think that there is a wide spectrum and you can probably choose one that will satisfy your desires and interests.

[MongolPower 0]

Its not being nosy to ask why I left. hey whats your theory, humor me, come on.

I would have incorrectly guessed the movement of a military parent to Japan got you interested and a move away (coupled perhaps with injury) caused you to reconsider. Only correct that the move of a parent was a portion of the decision process and that injury played a part. Jonosuke-san has many answers - some about many things even the most avid fan wouldn't know. He is truly amazing.

As for you, I'm sorry to hear that injury played a major part in your decision. It would seem very hard to adapt to a vastly different lifestyle AND deal with injury. I also hope your Father is doing well - being a Korean linguist, Iraq/Afghanistan is not in my future, but I've much respect for those who have spent and will spend time over there.

I'd have to concur with other's sentiment and admit that I would've been hard pressed to make such a bold move at the young age of 15. I'd have to give you props on your brass cojones. Luckily for me, at 15 I knew nothing of Sumo and weighed somewhere near 120lbs (55kg). Not exactly the Sumo body :-(

Other future paths of consideration might include Mongolian-style "sumo" or Korean Sirum. Although the skill sets are different, the necessary combination of strength, balance, and technique would seem to span all three. There are many Mongolian members here and I'm sure Jonosuke could hook you up with a contact or two who might even have some pull in that arena. BTW, does anyone know if foreigners are accepted in Mongolia and Korea? I can't remember a foreign sirum participant (at least at the competitive level).

Everybody can participate in Mongolian wrestling but it is not all professional. There is no regular tournament and no regular salary from some organization. You find your sponsor. There is only one tournament you can get a title in a year. Until you get a title I don't think one can sustain yourself never mind a family. Korean shirim has very a few professionals under 50 people. It's not even comparable to Sumo.

Sumo is well organized that professionals only mind their wrestling not about their next pay check or rent.

[Naganoyama 5,467]

This may be a red herring because I don't know enough of Sumo Association history to know when the 'won't have you back' rule came into being or what happened behind the scenes but...

...Tamanoumi Daitaro was thrown out of sumo in disgrace in 1940 and allowed back in in 1950.

[hoshidango 0]

Welcome kagamifuji! Excited to have another ex-pro with the experience..

[Kagamifuji Iumu 1]

thanks ! when I was 15 in the stable. I got drunk many many times, it was polite to drink when we were out with the heya supporters. i remember putting away 11 pints of Japans finest beer along wih sake and sho-chu. Man I slept good that night, but felt like crap at keiko the next day. Anyway, just another memory

[hoshidango 0]

Man, its just incredible isn't it? You were 15 and did that.. I REALLY wish if there is some way for you to get back to pro.. or at least may be become someone like Shiroikuma ...

[Mark Buckton 1]

Japans finest beer

(Applauding...) words I thought I'd never see in the same sentence! (Dripping sweat...) (Exercising...)

[Kagamifuji Iumu 1]

Who is Shiroikuma ? yes it still baffles me to think I was only 15 at the time. I just wonder whether I had gone out there now how I would have taken it. And why did you think you would never see those words in the same sentence ? I think I'll e-mail a few stables just for fun and see what they say. I know I know, you guys are sure about the rules, but I'll try just to humor myself and see what happens. Kompai !

[Guest Needle201]

Japans finest beer

(Applauding...) words I thought I'd never see in the same sentence! (Dripping sweat...) (Exercising...)

i am from bavaria, and currently living in Japan...

and i have to admit, the Sapporo brand of beer is really good. everytime i have some visitors form bavaria here, i get them some Sapporo, and it seems everybody likes it.

(Sign of approval)

[Sasanishiki 57]

Who is Shiroikuma ?

A recent addition to the Sumo Forum, like yourself, but a long time amateur sumo athlete from the Czech Republic. He has been posting in a few of the sub-forums lately. You can do a member search if interested. Also, try searching google using shiroikuma as all one word. You'll find out some things about this interesting and important figure in amateur sumo.

[Yoavoshimaru 0]

Welcome aboard KI (Praying...)

Kinta-zeki, why is your fence purple?