Is Kotooshu too tall?

[nirumaruyama]

Kotooshu just lost to Wakanosato again from a throw and again because he touched down first. Is he just too tall for that type of sumo?

[Otokonoyama]

I don't think so. He's good at throwing, but he tries to rush his throws. He doesn't break the balance of aite sufficiently (if at all) before attempting a throw. A strong and/or technically outstanding rikishi will be able to counter that.

[Bealzbob]

There are other rikishi who would rather land on their face than risk touching down first. So I'd say bravery is another element. If anything, bravey aligned with his height advantage should mean landing AFTER his opponent in a lot of cases, but he clearly doesn't. Sorry, I'm not a fan.

[Kotonosato]

I'm just glad to see Wakanosato win one for a change. Especially an old school throwing match. It reminded me of the days (not so long ago) that he was solid sanyaku all the time. Hats off to the veteran! (Neener, neener...)

[Jakusotsu]

It reminded me of the days (not so long ago) that he was solid sanyaku all the time. Hats off to the veteran! (Neener, neener...)

Don't forget he's even younger than the new kid (=Ozeki) on the block!

[maxim]

Kotooshu may be losing, but I'm seeing progress in his sumo. He's deliberately refraining from henkas, which to me means that for the first time he's more determined than nervous. Maybe it's that determination that's making him rush so much (like Kokkai). I think he will look much better in November.

[Sasanishiki]

From being 7-3 after Day 10 and then sliding to 8-7 is prety poor. Kotooshu faced no-one of equal or higher rank and still came out with such a poor record. I'm not sure about his height, is there another lasting problem to worry about?

[Kuroyama]

From being 7-3 after Day 10 and then sliding to 8-7 is prety poor. Kotooshu faced no-one of equal or higher rank and still came out with such a poor record. I'm not sure about his height, is there another lasting problem to worry about?

I suspect he's making an effort to adjust his style and is in a transitional phase right now. That kind of thing can mess anyone up. As Maxim pointed out, we've seen nothing like the usual number of henkas from him recently, and I had the impression a couple of times that we went wrong right from the tachi-ai. If you've suddenly decided not to henka, the tachi-ai is naturally where you're going to be making changes.

On the other hand, it was really painful to watch him rush those throws because you just know what'll happen as soon as he starts one. It looks like once he decides to use one he goes for it no matter how his opponent is moving and at times when the momentum you need to make it work just isn't there.