Can Ama make Ozeki?

[kaiguma]

So am I the only one who believes he can make it? I'm sure I'm partial, being a huge fan (Nodding yes...) but I'd like to hear how he measures up by the Forum's expectations . . .

(I thought of referencing Chiyotaikai's and Kaio's inevitable retirements, but it just seemed too complicated. For example, first instinct seems to be that the banzuke is too full for anyone to join in anytime soon. But it might also follow that as the old men just barely manage to hang on in between kyujo's, they are bringing the level of sumo down at the top ranks, somehow making it easier for new blood to crowd in around them.)

I think I'll choose to leave this poll open indefinitely, unless of course he makes it (Nodding yes...)

[Shibouyama]

So am I the only one who believes he can make it?

No, you are not the only one. I definitely think he could make it in a couple year's time with the addition of 15-20 kilos.

He already is one of the most technically gifted wrestlers in the top division, and the funnest to watch in my opinion. He's my new favorite.

(Sign of approval)

[ikishima]

"Sure, if he put on about 20-30 kilos and managed to keep his speed..."

easier said than done! If Kotomitsuki would just become more consistant... If Wakanosato could win just one or two more matches each basho... If only Miyabiyama were less, well Miyabiyama like....

I am afraid that Ama will always be a fast small guy. Terao was a small fast guy. Mainoumi was a small fast guy. They were both loved and spent a long time in sumo, but alas were never ozeki material.

Edited May 11, 2006 by ikishima

[Kishinoyama]

Yes but only if he gains some weight. B-)

[Zuikakuyama]

He is no Takanohana I.

[Jonosuke]

It was another time and era when Takanohana I was around.

But Takanohana I had far more competitive field than the present lot Ama is surrounded.

Ama says he studies Takanohana's moves by watching his videos and he wants to do Tsuris like Takanohana did.

Ama now weighs more than Takanohana I did.

And Takanohana I became an Ozeki.

Can Ama be the next Takanohana I?

Sure as long as he stays out of serious injury.

[Coo-cook]

But Takanohana I had far more competitive field than the present lot Ama is surrounded

Sure, I heard that before....old times are still better than the current one. Plus, you have your pride, of course.

It would be really interesting to compare the average weights of rikishi in Takanohana I time and current crowd.

I heard from a Japanese friend saying that the modern Japanese are much bigger than decades ago because of increased beef consumption. I don't know whether it's true or not. Even modern Mongolians are much bigger compared to old times despite we were (and still are) big meat consumers. Some think it's something to do with increased CO2.Who knows.

Also, the thinking that the number of yokozunas present is a sign of increased competition is very subjective and relative.

Or, do you Jonosuke really think that current Japanese rikishis are technically and physically weaker than old times?

I don't think so.

The problem with modern sumo is that very selective few foreigners (selected in their previous skill,body weight and height ) competing ......and not the current Japanese rikishi become weaker.

I totally agree that Takanohana I was a technically superb rikishi (probably most technically talented)

And, Ama's chances to become an ozeki is very slim ....competition is too big.

Edited May 11, 2006 by Coo-cook

[Doitsuyama]

But Takanohana I had far more competitive field than the present lot Ama is surrounded

Sure, I heard that before....old times are still better the current one. Plus, you have your pride, of course.

It's easy to dismiss Joe's argument as an "old timer". But my historical rikishi strength analysis really supports his argument. The class of now isn't bad, but continually having Kitanoumi, Wajima, Mienoumi and Wakanohana II as opponents (ok, I think Wakanohana II was in the same stable as Takanohana I, but still) makes for really hard opposition as each of them can make up for one Asashoryu and is far, far stronger than Kaio, Tochiazuma or Chiyotaikai.

[Cammy]

I think he can make Ozeki, just with time and maybe some added weight.

[Araiguma_Rascal]

But Takanohana I had far more competitive field than the present lot Ama is surrounded

Sure, I heard that before....old times are still better the current one. Plus, you have your pride, of course.

It's easy to dismiss Joe's argument as an "old timer". But my historical rikishi strength analysis really supports his argument. The class of now isn't bad, but continually having Kitanoumi, Wajima, Mienoumi and Wakanohana II as opponents (ok, I think Wakanohana II was in the same stable as Takanohana I, but still) makes for really hard opposition as each of them can make up for one Asashoryu and is far, far stronger than Kaio, Tochiazuma or Chiyotaikai.

How does one compare rikishi from different eras, or "the general level of competition"? My guess is that it would be impossible. In each era, for every win there are an equal number of losses. Does more parity mean more excellence or more mediocrity? Does standing far above one's contemporaries mean that the competition was weaker in general, or that the individual was epecially great?

I think he might in a few years if he continues to improve, and I don't see why he can't gain more weight if he wants too. It's just a matter of eating enough, right?

[Kintamayama]

Never in a zillion years.

We shall see..

[kaiguma]

Closing this old poll, contrary to my original intent, in order that I may pose the question again! :-)