Shiro

Just watched some Hanakaze videos. I love that after an entire career ( almost 30 years!)in the lower ranks and he's still fighting hard. That's great to watch!

Just currious but have their been many rikishi that have fought past age 45?

Kaio was 34-20 against Chiyotaikai so I've gotta go with Kaio. :) Also Kaio had five yusho compared to chiyotaikais three. But they were both fierce competitors, no doubt of that.

I've also got to agree with that! He's been one Sumos iron men.

I have to say Tochinoshin is one of my favorites to watch. But I think Amanishiki is one of the greats. He's just been solid.

That's a pretty impressive analysis!

Okay so here is a tougher one. Who is in your opinion the greatest or just your favorite Middle of the road wrestler who bounces between the ranks of M#16 and M#1 while occasionally making it to Komusubi or Sekiwake?

For me I think it's hard not to say Kaio. I mean 1,047 career wins and the fact that he maintained the rank for so long even at the end he was rarely if ever in jeapordy of being demoted, always seeming to get that 8 wins he needed. He was just a class act and I'm glad I was able to watch him. If sumo had a hall of fame he'd be in it.

I've noticed that. But I don't see it as a big deal. Hak is just in the zone this tournament I think. Got his eyes on that 25th Yusho. Maybe he's doing it as a tribute to Asashoryu ;)

1790-1811 to be exact.

Pretty sure the Raiden they are all referring to fought in the early 1800s. Record of 200 some wins and only 8 losses as an Ozeki. You won't find a YouTube video for him.

Yeah who didn't make Yokozuna. Should have specified.

Who do you think is the greatest Ozeki of all time?

If I've learned anything from my years as a Sumo fan is that you can't be sure of anything. Look at Kyokutenhōs Yusho.

I agree that he was head and shoulders above the other Ozeki. I am really disappointed with all of them. In other news, will Hak tie Asa this basho for 3rd on the all time Yusho list?! Or can Harumafuji shut him down an bounce back after yesterday's loss?

Does anyone think Baruto will ever reach Ozeki again? He's just not looking like his old self. Injuries seem to be hanging on.

Do we know when his wrestlers will make their debut?

This is great news! Musashimaru was my favorite when I first saw sumo at 9-10 years old. Can't wait to follow is stable!

What's interesting is how he went from M#5 10-5, K 12-3, S 13-2 and S 11-4 and then BAM! Ozeki promotion and nothing. I wonder what makes a wrestler stop like that. I think the Ozeki field in general has been lackluster as of late. And this tournament is no different.

Baruto is 5-1. Doing what he has to do to get back on track. On another note does anyone see Kotooshu retiring soon? He just seems like he has really run out of steam. Looking back at the last 5 tournaments he does very well in the San-Yaku ranks but gets taken by the lower ranking wrestlers. Not a very good trend.

SouthernSumo, I'm from Kentucky and have also wondered this. I just can't afford to make it to California or anywhere else in the west. I ran a club in Iowa for 2 years. I didn't have a group of very serious wrestlers. We just wrestled one another in our own Tournaments and never affiliated ourselves with USSF. I would love to see some eastern tournaments start to be held, and I'd love to be involved in the putting together of some.

Who else thinks if Takanoyama can get some weight on him he would be a tough man to beat? I think he is a phenomenal wrestler technique-wise. He's having a good Tournament so far it seems. 3-2 and he faces 1-4 Hochiyama tonight/today.

Guess I should have read ALL of the above comments.... :)

Oh, I guess I didn't realize he was still in sumo. Well good!

I think Chiyotairyu may be the best hope for a Japanese Yokozuna. Maybe it's to soon to make a statement like that but I have really been impressed by him. He is moving up fast. But has anyone else noticed his slap down tactic? It seems most of his bouts are won in this manner. I haven't noticed a lot of belt work. Also Baruto seems to be on the right track this tournament. Hope his knee holds up.