Jonidan

Wakaichiro Wins Day 1

Bruce H Kyushu Basho 2018, Wakaichiro (若一郎)

Wakaichiro Kyushu 1

In early action in Kyushu, Musashigawa rikishi Wakaichiro defeated Miyakogawa, improving his record against him to 2-0, and picking up his first win of the November tournament. For his fans this is a great start, and he showed better fighting form from September.

In the image above, you can clearly see the up-armor bolstering around both knees. There had been some word that Wakaichiro had been working to recover from knee injuries in the prior months.

With the win, Wakaichiro starts Kyushu 1-0, and will possibly fight again day 3.

Wakaichiro Competing Day 1

Bruce H Kyushu Basho 2018, Wakaichiro (若一郎)

Wakaichiro-2018

Texas sumotori Wakaichiro will be starting his campaign to return to Sandanme on day 1 in Kyushu. After his injury plagued 2-5 tournament in September, the Musashigawa rikishi finds himself ranked Jonidan 5e. For his first match he is facing Isenoumi heya’s Miyakogawa who is ranked Jonidan 4. This is in fact a rematch, as Wakaichiro has beaten him once before, in May of this year on day 4 of the Natsu basho. Miyakogawa is another relative newcomer to sumo, who is fighting at his highest rank after a 6-1 tournament in September at Jonidan 74.

Fans of Wakaichiro are eager to see him return to competition, and as always Tachiai will bring you the results as soon as they are known.

Go Texas Sumo!

Wakaichiro’s Final Natsu Match – Day 14

Bruce H Natsu Basho 2018, Wakaichiro (若一郎) , ,

Wakaichiro May 20

The Sumo-Texan, Wakaichiro, wrapped up his winning record in fine fashion on day 12, and has one remaining match in his fight card for the May tournament in Tokyo. On Saturday morning he will face off against another 4-2 record Jonidan rikishi, Asanotosa. Asanotosa is a long-serving veteran sumo wrestler who has been in the sport since January of 2000. He eventually ranked as high as Makushita 21, but has been slowly fading down the banzuke since 2008.

This contest will pit the young, rising Wakaichiro against the larger, heavier veteran in Asanotosa. This is actually an outstanding preview of how Wakaichiro will fare in Sandanme, as this is precisely the kind of rakish that gave him a lot of trouble during his past postings to that division. Wakaichiro of Natsu is stronger, faster and more aggressive. We will see if he has improved enough to wrangle the wide-bodies.

As always we will bring you coverage of the results, and video of the match once we find it on line.

Wakaichiro Loses Day 10

Bruce H Natsu Basho 2018, Wakaichiro (若一郎)

Wakaichiro May 20

Our favorite Jonidan rikishi, Wakaichiro, lost his 5th match of the May tournament today in Tokyo, taking him to 3-2. He is still one win from securing his kachi-koshi, and will need to prevail in either of the next two matches.

His opponent, Kotosato, overpowered him from the tachiai, and relentlessly drove forward.  We will bring you video as soon as it becomes available.