Preparation of the masses-Kyushu 2014

[Monnodo]

I had that with 17, really nasty and painful when moving fast, and usually you are not done with it in a week. I hope this will not become a regular problem of Ichinojou, because it can reoccur when you overexhaust again. But he really had lots of stuff in the last few weeks, the media circus, the hype, the expectations, and judging by the the "treatment" he got from Kakuryu he may even have backstage heat. When he gets enough time to relax there may not be a problem in the future. Hopefully.

[Masumasumasu]

[Kintamayama]

Ichinojou is playing it safe and will not return to the jungyo ."He is getting better, and will probably leave the hospital on the 24th, so we are thinking of not returning to the jungyo, since it ends on the 26th," said his Oyakata. He will be training alone at the stable and traveling to Fukuoka on the 26th.

[Kintamayama]

Endou did some serious keiko (although back in the day it was much worse) facing veterans Aminishiki and Takekaze for 14 bouts, and then getting called out by Sekiwake Hakuhou for butsugari. "I haven't gone much for degeiko in the past so I'm training seriously during the jungyo. I think I'll train at other heya before the basho as well," said Endou. After the keiko, he had an ice pack on his left arm. "This is my chance to do stuff I can't do at the heya so even if it's somewhat painful I will be patient and tell myself that it's for my own good.." he summed.

[Kintamayama]

Three days ago in Kagawa- Yoshikaze (32) trains for the first time this Aki Jungyo. Faces Goueidou and others for a while, and is then called out by Yokozuna Kakuryuu for sanban geiko. 24 bouts. Then some butsugari, finding himself rolling in the dirt for a while. "It's been a while so I was planning to slowly get back into shape, but I wasn't expecting THIS.." he muttered. "In any case, I 'd like to thank the Yokozuna. I read in the paper today that Aminishiki said it was a rikishi's job to get tired and I cannot agree more.." he added.

"I quit when I was 28, so I have no idea how someone over 30 preserves his strength. That is why I leave it to him. He is taking care of his body diligently, so he can still win at his age, I guess, " said his Oyakata Oguruma.

Yoshikaze is aiming to return to sanyaku next basho before his home crowd, so he's gotta gambarize.

[Kintamayama]

Ichinojou has left the hospital after being diagnosed with the shingles a week ago. "It sure feels good to be at the heya.. I am relieved. My backache is gone. I haven't been moving my body lately so I'm eager to get back to training!!" he declared, smiling. He plans to resume serious training on the day of the Banzuke announcement, which is tomorrow morning.

[Kintamayama]

As promised, Ichinojou finally did his first chonmage today. "Now, I feel like I'm a real sumo!!" he declared. It took six minutes to do, in front of a hoard of photographers. He kept feeling it to see if it's still there.It will take another

year so for a real ooicho-mage, they say.

[Masumasumasu]

[Masumasumasu]

[Kintamayama]

Ichinojou started training today at his heya. He had 48(!!) bouts against Sandanme and lower. He has also decided not to go for degeiko at this point, as he will be carefully checking out his condition after the week in the hospital. "No use in getting injured. He should be well in about ten days.." said his Oyakata. If he does feel better, there is still a chance he may go for degeiko after all. "I'm a bit worried. My condition was totally different before I entered the hospital. I am not reacting well. I haven't been moving my body much and I need to perspire..." he said.

Edited October 29, 2014 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama]

Joe trained at home yesterday-42 bouts against sandanme and lower. He was not happy, as he says the image he has in his head and reality don't match, and he is showing signs of panic. His body is not moving like it was pre-shingles. In his third day of training after his hospitalization, he is attempting to return to his previous self. "Today was worse than yesterday. My feet and shoulders are sticking out and feeling heavy and rigid," complained Ichinojou. His Oyakata is trying to improve his tachi-ai and shikiri."In order for it to be easier for him to get his favorite outside left hand grip (hidari-uwate), he should get his right fist down first and extend his left arm's mobility. In order to make his initial hit stronger, he should move his legs (the ankles and downwards) inward-they are pointing outward too much," explained his Oyakata.

But, at this point, he seems exhausted. "My head is exploding," he said, as he continues to put both hands down in many cases. "I can't do everything." added Ichinojou. He is practicing leading with his head and grabbing the front of the mawashi with his left. "I'm over-thinking this and it's blowing my mind," he summed.

My take-this kid is clever. There is no problem-it's all strategy to put his opponent at ease. Just like before last basho, when he was constantly rolling in the dirt at keiko, causing everyone to think he was a pushover.

Edited November 1, 2014 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama]

Takadagawa Oyakata took new Juryo Kagayaki (Ex-Tatsu) for degeiko for the first time at Sakaigawa beya where he had no less than 49 bouts. He faced the likes of Toyohibiki and Sadanoumi and some Makushita guys. "I'm thankful I could face all kinds of sekitori.. I still have a lot to improve, like my tachiai and other stuff.." he said.

[Fukurou]

Has anything been reported about Homasho? He's in lower Juryo now, having missed part or all of 5 of the last 11 basho.

[Kintamayama]

Ichinojou has no one to train with at the heya. Yesterday, 2 were out with a cold, another was injured, another was on chanko duty, and only one rikishi from Jonidan was left to train with him. "No way he can do 50 bouts against one guy.. He is raring to go and I wanted him to, but.." explained Minato Oyakata. Ichinojou is trying to get back in shape but is forced to take a break. Still, his Oyakata had harsh words. "I hope he hits the wall at least once. I'd like him to realize that his condition at this time is not good. Frustration is what makes you better," added the Oyakata, trying to "wake" his deshi and motivate him.

In the evening they had a promotion celebration attended by 80 people, 50 more than expected. Ichinojou was all smiles, drinking beer and eating cake. "Kyushu basho, gambarimasu!!" he said.

[Kintamayama]

Endou, remember him? Ichinojou has cast a giant shadow over him media- wise-maybe that's a good thing and he can now prepare in peace.

Endou had 30 bouts at home against Juryo Daieishou and others, winning 26. He injured his left wrist during the jungyo but braved it out till the end, training with sekitori all the while. Now, he will be training at his own pace. The last two basho he has managed to win only once in the first five days. "I'll try to leave the pre-basho keiko fatigue behind by carefully thinking out my training strategy," he said.

[Kintamayama]

With a week to go before the basho starts, Ichinojou is still weak to go. He has no optimistic things to say. He had 28 bouts at home against Sandanme and lower rikishi today. "It's not good. I can't generate any power. In this condition, I doubt if I can go for degeiko.." he said.
He has also lost his appetite, probably from the FATigue. Still, he is 199 kilos. "If I don't eat, I get fat. If I do eat, I get even fatter," he grumbled, but we heard.

[Monnodo]

With a week to go before the basho starts, Ichinojou is still weak to go. He has no optimistic things to say. He had 28 bouts at home against Sandanme and lower rikishi today. "It's not good. I can't generate any power. In this condition, I doubt if I can go for degeiko.." he said.

He has also lost his appetite, probably from the FATigue. Still, he is 199 kilos. "If I don't eat, I get fat. If I do eat, I get even fatter," he grumbled, but we heard.

Story of my life :D

I really wonder if these are mindgames, or if he really is in sooooooo unbelievable bad condition. On the one hand I can not believe he is in such bad shape. On the other hand saying so much stuff about a wrong condition would be a pretty big lie. I guess we will see.

[kuroimori]

With a week to go before the basho starts, Ichinojou is still weak to go. He has no optimistic things to say. He had 28 bouts at home against Sandanme and lower rikishi today. "It's not good. I can't generate any power. In this condition, I doubt if I can go for degeiko.." he said.

He has also lost his appetite, probably from the FATigue. Still, he is 199 kilos. "If I don't eat, I get fat. If I do eat, I get even fatter," he grumbled, but we heard.

Story of my life :D

I really wonder if these are mindgames, or if he really is in sooooooo unbelievable bad condition. On the one hand I can not believe he is in such bad shape. On the other hand saying so much stuff about a wrong condition would be a pretty big lie.

"I guess we will see."

I'd rather say:

I see we will guess ;-)

at least some here will continue speculating about his condition until the basho starts - not only those who are thinking on where to put Joe in the pre-basho Sumo Games.

Edited November 2, 2014 by kuroimori

[Kintamayama]

Ichinojou has been seeing a judo therapist (who has been taking care of him since February) who is trying to help him strengthen his lower body. "My upper body is 100%. Lower body - notsomuch.." said a worried Ichinojou. After training two days ago, he summoned the therapist from Osaka to see if he could help him get back into shape. "His pelvis is strained so he can't generate any power in his lower body. Every time he rests for a long time (like the hospitalization), it becomes worse," said the rapist. the therapist

"He needs to wear a special belt for now in order to try to get better. Nothing I can do about it," said Minato Oyakata.

"The basho is getting closer and I'm getting nervous.." said Ichinojou.

He can't do any real keiko and will be entering Kyushu without training with sekitori (except what he managed to get in at the jungyo).

Edited November 4, 2014 by Kintamayama

[krindel]

Ichinojou has been seeing a judo therapist (who has been taking care of him since February) who is trying to help him strengthen his lower body. "My upper body is 100%. Lower body - notsomuch.." said a worried Ichinojou. After training two days ago, he summoned the therapist from Osaka to see if he could help him get back into shape. "His pelvis is strained so he can't generate any power in his lower body. Every time he rests for a long time (like the hospitalization), it becomes worse," said the rapist. the therapist

"He needs to wear a special belt for now in order to try to get better. Nothing I can do about it," said Minato Oyakata.

"The basho is getting closer and I'm getting nervous.." said Ichinojou.

He can't do any real keiko and will be entering Kyushu without training with sekitori (except what he managed to get in at the jungyo).

If at the basho he appears at full power, I wonder if the Japanese will greet it in a "good for him, he gambarised" way or as a blatant lack of dignity...

[Masumasumasu]

Glad I got my picture taken with him in March. Not much chance to get close to him now.

[Masumasumasu]

Sorry for the commercials.

http://youtu.be/fmGckZFaFxw

[Yubinhaad]

Pictures from the Kyokai of keiko at two heya, beginning with Sadogatake-beya on October 29th.

New Juryo Kotoeko warming up with suriashi.

Ozeki Kotoshogiku warmed up with shiko first.

And then he used these air pads, for a purpose unknown to me. Balance training perhaps?

Keeping an eye on the lower division rikishi is former Ozeki Kotooshu.

Kotoeko in the ring for some practice bouts.

This one was against Minezaki-beya's Arawashi, who came for degeiko.

Another practice bout, this time against Kotoshogiku.

Arawashi's turn against the Ozeki.

Makuuchi returnee Kotoyuki does some butsugari-keiko with Kotoeko.

A rear view of Kotoeko as he also does some butsugari-keiko.

The rikishi of Sadogatake-beya have their goals pinned up on the wall as motivation.

Following the end of keiko, Kotoshogiku gave his left hand a workout by making a whopping 600 tegata, assisted by the heya's affiliated gyoji Shikimori Kinosuke.

A finished tegata.

And now to Kise-beya on November 2nd; pictures are a bit smaller than usual.

Rikishi from three other heya came for degeiko in this session. Kise-beya's own Akiseyama and Jokoryu are about to start a practice bout in this picture.

New Juryo Hidenoumi (formerly Iwasaki) watches the keiko. Behind him is Hamaguchi, who is unbeaten in the last two basho as he returns from a long injury lay-off.

Hidenoumi now lends his chest, to Jokoryu I think.

Kisenoyama opens with a tsuki-oshi attack against Isenoumi-beya visitor Nishikigi.

Tamanoi-beya's Irie (left) has a practice bout against Takagi, who won the Sandanme yusho in the Aki basho.

Tokushoryu lends his chest to Kisenoyama.

Isenoumi-oyakata (former Maegashira Kitakachidoki) and Ikioi watch the keiko.

Battle of the dragons now as Tokushoryu and Jokoryu have a practice bout.

Kisenoyama, Kitanoumi-beya visitor Kitaharima and Tsurubayashi lead the suriashi train around the ring.

Takagi and Koba do their best aeroplane impressions following the end of keiko.

And the same duo with Tamanoi-beya's Irie and Fujiazuma.

[Naganoyama]

...

Takagi and Koba do their best aeroplane impressions following the end of keiko.

...

I thought for a moment that they were practising ballet...

[Masumasumasu]

http://youtu.be/F64RXYXXG6k