Kyokushuzan Intai

[ilovesumo]

His heart is enlarged

There could be nobody better then a guy with such a big heart to go into politics.

Funny.

(Applauding...)

Did you do that on purpose?

:-/ ...

I think everybody knows how it was meant...I am talking about one of my big favorites here, I like for his personality even more then/as for his great Sumo in the early days and sometimes when he was in a lower Makuuchi position.

Many sportsmen get an enlarged heart...when I was reading my post again I noticed what you pointed out here, but how else to say it? So I just didn't change it. Kyokushuzan is a great guy doing a lot to help others with less luck in life. He want's to make his country a place kids have a future and can work on realizing their own dreams. I admire him. (Nodding yes...)

[Fukurou]

Has the Yokozuna made any comment on this turn of events?

I don't know what the situation was between the two of them, but as Kyokushuzan was one of those responsible for opening things up for his countrymen who followed (such as the Yokozuna), I suspect he must have had something to say on the subject.

[Jonosuke]

Asashoryu:

"I imagine his physical conditions must have been pretty bad but I sure will miss him. There were a lot of things between us. Once you are up on the dohyo, you become the devil but once you are off, you talk normally. I want to thank him for all the years he has contributed to Ozumo."

Edited November 13, 2006 by Jonosuke

[madorosumaru]

According to reports, Kyokushuzan has had problems with his heart for the past two years. "I've had arrhythmia for about two years," he told the press. "Gaining a lot of weight quickly probably put too much strain on the heart." Prior to the Kyushu Basho, he felt some pain in his chest and went to the hospital. The diagnosis was "Ischemic Heart Disease." When he consulted the doctor after his bout on Shonichi, he was told that he was in no condition to continue sumo. Discretion is the better part of valor. "I want to be on the safe side since there could be a lot more years in my life after sumo."

Thus, a chapter in a very interesting and, in many ways illustrious, career comes to an end.

At the press conference announcing his retirement, Shu was dry-eyed and matter-of-fact.

When did you decide to retire from sumo?

I have been thinking about it since around a year ago. For the past month or two, it was clear that something was very wrong with my body [heart] and that I had reached the end of my physical limits.

You went through a lot as a pioneer rikishi from Mongolia.

At first, I didn't know anything about the language or custom. But I am really glad I entered into the sumo world. There isn't a person in Mongolia that doesn't know about me. I feel it is really important that I can go home with my head held high.

Is there a single bout that is most memorable?

Yes, the first time I fought against fellow Mongolian Asashoryu-zeki. I [lost and] felt "Geez, the guy is strong."

What about your future?

I want to play a part as a bridge between Mongolia and Japan. I'll think more about that after I get myself healthy.

Quotes from:

Oshima Oyakata, his shisho: "After Shonichi, he told me that he didn't have anything left anymore. He has been going to the hospital for a while. There's something wrong with his heart and his lungs. He has done a really fantastic job [over the years] with his ninja-like speed and moves."

Kyokutenho, fellow Mongolian and long-time heya-mate: "Over the years, we have had our differences, but we have spent more time together than most siblings. I feel a surge of emotions from deep inside."

Post on the subject from a year and half ago. The bum ticker hastened the retirement but all else remain the same.

[Kintamayama]

From the press conference:

[Jonosuke]

While watching a video clip of Kyokushuzan's retirement press conference, it reminded me of something I read in this month's Ozumo magazine. There was an article about how Japanese rikishis (and Japanese in general) have lost what Mongolian rikishis still posesse.

At the press conference held yesterday, Kyokushuzan after sitting down at the table with his shisho Oshima oyakata next to him in front of all reporters, the first thing he did was to stand up again and faced his oyakata. Then he took a deep bow to the oyakata. I could see the oyakata's eyes filling up with tears.

I don't recall any recent Japanese rikishi doing the same to his oyakata at a retirement conference.

It was definitely a class act.

Edited November 13, 2006 by Jonosuke

[madorosumaru]

More comments from Tenho:

"I knew he had a bum heart," Tenho said with tears in his eyes. "[For years,] Shu and I stimulated each other. and we encouraged each other."

"I really wanted to win this one for him," he said about his match against Kasugao. "I am truly happy to be able to win."

Prior to Shu's bout on Shonichi, he asked his old friend to help him put on his mawashi. "He never once asked me to do that before," Tenho reflected. "When I walked past him on the hanamichi, I sensed what would happen."

"For 15 years, we were together everyday. We were together more than most brothers. We had our share of disagreements. He was a pain-in-the-butt to have around, but it'll be awfully lonely without him. We had a relationship that can't easily be broken."

When Tenho flew the coop, unable to endure the hardships of sumo life, Shu helped him reconsider. "Without Shu, I wouldn't be here today."

"One of these days, I probably would have to go through the same thing," he concluded. "Till then, I will gambarize for the both of us."

An emotional Tenho. . . . . . . . An appreciative Shu.

[ilovesumo]

First I thought it could be "the reason" to get free from Sumo for more important things...but he looked pretty bad and must be sick. Hopefully it wasn't too late to stop now.

For Oshima Beya, these guys seemed to be very family-like from what I have seen. I wonder how Tenho will go on now.

[Fujisan]

Has the Yokozuna made any comment on this turn of events?

I don't know what the situation was between the two of them, but as Kyokushuzan was one of those responsible for opening things up for his countrymen who followed (such as the Yokozuna), I suspect he must have had something to say on the subject.

There has been bad blood in the past,remember the hair pulling incident at Nagoya 2003?

[sekihiryu]

There was a banzuke framed on the wall. It was from the 2000 Haru Basho, six and half years ago.

One of the things surprised me - Kyokushuzan was at Maegashira West 1. There was no Asashoryu in Makuuchi but they had four yokozunas that basho (Akebono, Musashimaru, Waka/Taka) and three ozekis (Dejima, Takanonami and Taikai) plus three sekiwakes (Musoyama who won the yusho this basho, Miyabi and Tochiazuma) and two komusubis (Kaio and Tosanoumi).

At this basho, in Makuuchi there were only three other rikishis who are ranked in Makuuchi today - Tamakasuga, Tochinonada and Kyokutenho. The rest either retired or are in Juryo. .

yes I remember that Basho very well, it was the first I ever attended, Takatoriki got the shock yusho and Waka III retired.

I sat in masu seat with 2 young Japanese College students from Wakayama and a Swiss Tourist. The local boys were screaming their lungs out Wakanoyamas name, perhaps the loudest I have ever heard people scream at the sumo, the whole arena was watching us, I joined them to add some bass to their high pitched castrato voices, it was ripping fun (Annoyed...)

I remember Chiyotonzan was there too, man that guy has slipped down quite a ways now.

Earlier on in the day as I sat a ringside I befriended a rich old gentleman who bought me lunch and told me a lot about sumo

My good friend told me to watch out for Kyokushuzan who was his favourite rikishi back then, it was my first glimpse of him....ah Natsukashi!

Back on topic, going miss the man of many techniques, the tricky trickster and king of back pedaling who is no more. Shame

[Kintamayama]

At the press conference held yesterday, Kyokushuzan after sitting down at the table with his shisho Oshima oyakata next to him in front of all reporters, the first thing he did was to stand up again and faced his oyakata. Then he took a deep bow to the oyakata. I could see the oyakata's eyes filling up with tears.

[Kintamayama]

A few more facts, provided I don't screw this up as well:

Elections in Mongolia will be held next May. He wants to be Foreign minister, and seems to be aiming for the Presidency eventually. "I'll go for it eventually. I think within about 10 years..", he said.

As for his studies-he's taking an internet course, so it actually doesn't matter where he physically is- he can graduate from Mongolia as well.

He is very popular and well connected. no less than 50 leading politicians including the Mongolian President called him yesterday. Two cellphones ran out of batteries.

He will not do intai-sumo. He will quietly leave the Sumo world. He will return to Tokyo soon and enter a hospital for treatment.

He will take over Isegahama beya.

Edited November 14, 2006 by Kintamayama

[Tikozan]

It harms that he terminates his career. But the health is more important.

Thanks for all the years in professional sumo and all the best for your future Kyokushuzan.

[Erkhembulgan]

A mother of Batbayar told that Kyokushuzan decided to retire on the Descending Day of Lord Buddha. God bless him!

[Blue_Wolf]

Kyukushuzan, We're proud of you.

Edited November 15, 2006 by Blue_Wolf

[aderechelsea]

i think the very first topic i opened in this forum was about Kyokushuzan and your opinion on him ....

this just popped in my mind during the day ....

[Kintamayama]

The danpatsushiki will be held in May, and many Mongolian dignitaries are slated to attend.

[ilovesumo]

(In a state of confusion...) confusion...it was said there will be no intai Sumo, but a danpatsu Shiki...

huh? Does that mean, they just cut his Mage somewere in a Hotel like less big names?

[Kintamayama]

(In a state of confusion...) confusion...it was said there will be no intai Sumo, but a danpatsu Shiki...

huh? Does that mean, they just cut his Mage somewere in a Hotel like less big names?

I think it means there will be a big ceremony at the Kkan, but without him having a match.

[Jonosuke]

For some of you who may have learned of an article published this week on Weekly Shukan Shincho, which alleged certain money problems forced Kyokushuzan to retire as well causing vandalism at Tokyo's Oshima Beya building, there is now a sort of resolution.

The magazine reported Kyokushuzan had a financial transaction related to a mining interest in Mongolia he has some control and the relationship with the money lender went sour. The individual involved believed Kyokushuzan retired from Ozumo soley to escape from his fiduciary responsibility and went to the magazine to disclose his relationship with Kyokushuzan. The police is continuing their investigation on the Oshima beya incidents and has reportedly talked to Kyokushuzan and Mr. A as he is known in media at the moment.

There was a report that Mr. A was a minor character connected to an orgranized crime group and Oshima oyakata who became aware of the relationship told Kyokushuzan to terminate any dealing with Mr. A some time ago.

The Kyokai executives were said to be extremely displeased with the whole matter surfacing during a hon-basho and may have put some pressure on those involved to settle the matter quietly, immediately or else..... Though not something they will publicize in open, the Kyokai can wield a big stick as certain members of the Kyokai could pick up a phone as they have a deep connection and quash some minor minion like Mr. A in no time at all.

Anyway I have digressed enough. After it was learned that Kyokushuzan was prepared to pursue the matter and to take the publisher to a court, there may have been external pressure placed on Mr. A or an offer he cannot refuse as he promptly fired off a formal apology in writing to Kyokushuzan.

Mr. A wrote:

"I have released an information entirely devoid of any factual base to media and I have not only damaged Kyokushuzan's fine reputation but also tarnished his retirement stage."

"I am fully prepared to take any consequence or whatever punishment I deserve but with this I will ask your forgivess for my improper transgression."

After receiving the apology, Kyokushuzan said he would no longer be following a civil proceeding as he is not interested in having this matter escalating any further.

Oshima oyakata who was reluctant to discuss Kyokushuzan's retireiment party due to the matter has now indicated there would be one held at a Tokyo hotel inviting many heya supporters and dignitaries from Mongolia.

Edited November 19, 2006 by Jonosuke

[Kintamayama]

Kyokushuuzan was hospitalized until two days ago for thorough check-ups of his heart. He will be returning to Fukuoka and participating in the Ooshima beya after- basho party, where he will be meeting with the Oyakata to discuss the future. He was in hospital since the 15th. "I underwent some tests and am feeling better, so I have left the hospital", he said. He will be receiving medical care, though, and will continue to do so after he returns to Mongolia. "I would like to confer with my Oyakata, so I'll be going to the senshuraku party, " he said. They will be discussing the course to take with the weekly that printed the defaming article concerning the 'real' reason for his retirement. "I haven't heard directly from him that he is coming to the party, but if he is, we will definitely have a talk", revealed Ooshima Oyakata himself.

Edited November 23, 2006 by Kintamayama

[Jakusotsu]

For what it's worth he looked healthy and hearthy (sorry). (Chucking salt...)

You mean stovey? ;-)

[Johnofuji]

I saw Kyokushuzan this morning. He was going into the Kokugikan as I was going out. Almost didn't recognise him as he was decked out in what can only be described as a Bobby Jones era golf outfit (minus the knee high socks). He even had the flat cap! (Chucking salt...)

Nishinoshima Did you forget that he is a regular coz play chamelion? Don't you remember when he disguised himself as concrete plyon with a beanie on his head at the World Championships last year and then later as a french maid at the Sun plaza hotel?He will have the elections sewn up in Mongolia if he can dress up as a ballot box but the chonmage sticking out might give him away.

Shocked to hear of his sad retirement.Will miss him and wish him luck.I hope he enjoyed the bottle of Australian sake I gave him better than the officials in the Sumo Kyokai that swilled down the extremely expensive case of "Grange Hermitage" wine given to them by Greg Lund as part of his bid for the Grand Sumo tour downunder many years ago! (Tidbit from Katrina).I will treasure the Mongol Power poster Kyokushuzan gave me- if only I was allowed to put it on the wall.

Just after hearing this I got an even bigger shock when my wife got off the phone to our very distressed flatmate who had told her that Asasekiryu had died.She then corrected herself and said it was actually Asashoryu that had died. ;-) I nearly freaked out and then I realised she was referring to one of our Siamese fighting fish that featured as a centrepiece on one of the tables at our wedding.Phew.

I don't think it is such a good idea to name them after rikishi especially when I had to give it a last mizu iri and flush it.I just couldn't let them be called akachan and aochan-too daggy! The surviving fish (in need of a new name) is even hostile to the little rubber sumo on the doyho at the bottom of the fish bowl.It regularly assaults it and always wins by underwaterdashinage.

[Kintamayama]

Kyokushuuzan came to the Ooshima-beya senshuraku party today. He said goodbye to many of his supporters, and some were crying. "Thank you for supporting me for these last 15 years", he said. "He's lost some weight", remarked Kyokutenhou. Shoes went to visit his Oyakata at the hospital. "No, he didn't tell me what his future plans were..", said the Oyakata.

I can tell him. He intends to return to Mongolia in a few days, but of course will return to Japan for his farewell party.

[Kintamayama]

Now it is being said that Kyokushuuzan will be holding his damps in Mongolia. It is extremely rare that a rikishi has his dampatsushiki outside of Japan. This was revealed today by Ooshima Oyakata. "I think it's OK for him to have his danpatsushiki in Mongolia,", he said. A danpatsushiki is not only a rikishi's farewell ceremony from sumo, but also a chance for him to thank all those that helped him and encouraged him during his active years.

Mongolia's first sekitori is no exception. At first, he planned to have it in Japan after Natsu basho out of respect towards his many Japanese supporters. "But Kyokushuuzan is a hero in Mongolia. He is a special person to many of his compatriots," added the Oyakata. Knowing this, he asked Shoes what he intended to do, and after hearing his wish, has decided to organize it overseas in Mongolia. After receiving his Oyakata's blessing, Shuuzan said, "I now entrust everything in the Oyakata's hands!". If this indeed happens, it may turn into a nationwide event. All details will probably be finalized after Kyokutenhou's 32nd birthday and Ooshima Oyakata's 60th (kanreki) birthday party in February.

Edited November 29, 2006 by Kintamayama