Bout No. 14

Meisei versus Daigonishiki

On the east side we have

Meisei.

He is ranked as

Juryo(7w)

He has been matched today with

Daigonishiki.

Daigonishiki

 is ranked as

Juryo(14w)

Daigonishiki is taller but Meiseiis the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Meisei

 may be his excellent

speed.

The ceremony is over, we are about to begin…

Nokotta!

a huge crash fills the arena as their bodies meet!

Daigonishiki

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Daigonishiki

more or less stood up

whereas

Meisei

stayed close to the ground - what might be called "hira-gumo" or "low spider" technique .

Daigonishiki

slaps down and retreats, unbalancing

Meisei

Its all over!  That was quick!

Meisei

loses in record time!

Daigonishiki

went backwards at first but twisted his opponent out at the tawara.

He was always in control and secures

a rare kimarite, winning by Utchari.

JASON'S REVIEW

The fight didn’t get past the tachiai.  Lets take a look how it was won by Daigonishiki

Daigonishiki benefitted from his tachiai height relative to Meisei

Daigonishiki showed the greater application in what he was trying to do.

Daigonishiki out thought his opponent and gained an advantage over Meisei

The tachiai is all about weight, speed and intensity or in a word, momentum.  Who can bring the most, or can you use your opponent's momentum against him? Daigonishiki put more behind his tachiai than Meisei

A win by Uttchari  - backward pivot throw

Meisei showed great intensity in this bout. Daigonishiki held back a little.

Meisei didn't concentrate on preventing his opponent from acting. Daigonishiki was effective in preventing his opponent from acting.

 

Bout No. 13

Gagamaru versus Wakaseiun

On our left is the formidable

Gagamaru.

He is ranked as

Juryo(7e)

His challenger today is

Wakaseiun.

Wakaseiun

 is ranked as

Juryo(14e)

Wakaseiun is taller but Gagamaruis the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Gagamaru

 may be his excellent

technique.

The two stare at each other before the tachiai…

Nokotta!

both rikishi launch forwards!

Gagamaru

gets the better of the tachiai.

Gagamaru

stayed very low

whereas

Wakaseiun

stepped forward.

Gagamaru

lets loose harite, a fury of slaps against the face of

Wakaseiun

was trying to grapple.

They immediately come together once more…

Gagamaru

drives his way forward.

Wakaseiun

is forced backwards and out!

What a powerful attack by

Gagamaru

who wins by

Oshidashi

JASON'S REVIEW

Let's go back to how Gagamaru won the tachiai.

Gagamaru gained an advantage from a better tachiai height.

Gagamaru looks better skilled at that form of tachiai.

Gagamaru expected his opponent to do that.

The tachiai is all about weight, speed and intensity or in a word, momentum.  Who can bring the most, or can you use your opponent's momentum against him? Gagamaru definitely created more momentum.

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were still apart.

This is where Gagamaru made his winning move.

Gagamaru was clinical in managing to force him back with an oshi attack.

Wakaseiun tried to outmanoeuvre him.

This combination of actions  was good for Wakaseiun

Gagamaru had momentum from the previous phase.  This was multiplied by combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Gagamaru had much better balance which gave him a significant advantage in acting.

Gagamaru was significantly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Gagamaru maintained a significant  weight advantage through the bout.

Wakaseiun used the rope in this phase.

It was classed as a win by Oshidashi  - Pushing the opponent out of the ring

Gagamaru showed great intensity in this bout. Wakaseiun held back a little.

Gagamaru didn't concentrate on preventing his opponent from acting. Wakaseiun did a little to prevent his opponent's actions.

 

Bout No. 12

Toyohibiki versus Ura

On the east side we have

Toyohibiki.

He is from the

Sakaigawa heya.

Opposite him will be

Ura.

Ura

 trains at the

Kise stable.

Toyohibiki is taller and heavier than Ura.

The best chance for

Toyohibiki

 may be his excellent

technique.

The crowd fall silent as the rikishi crouch…

Nokotta!

a gigantic collision as the rikishi meet!

Ura

starts better.

Ura

stayed close to the ground - what might be called "hira-gumo" or "low spider" technique

whereas

Toyohibiki

stayed very low.

Ura

has a better belt hold than

Toyohibiki

whose thrusts lacked direction.

The wrestlers search for good holds and positions in the yotsu-zumo.

We are definitely into the grappling phase now.

Ura attempts a throw which unbalances his opponent.

Toyohibiki will wonder if he had a good enough grip to try lifting him out.

He seems bound to go down!

The crowd applaud warmly at this prolonged effort!

Ura rests on his opponent and then bursts into action, lifting him clean out!

He wins by Yorikiri

Toyohibiki was not strong enough today.

JASON'S REVIEW

Let's go back to how Ura won the tachiai.

Ura benefitted from his tachiai height relative to Toyohibiki

Toyohibiki looks better skilled at that form of tachiai.

Toyohibiki expected his opponent to do that.

The tachiai is all about weight, speed and intensity or in a word, momentum.  Who can bring the most, or can you use your opponent's momentum against him? Ura put more behind his tachiai than Toyohibiki

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were locked together.

Ura got the better of this phase.

Ura improved his position by attempting to unbalance and throw him.

Toyohibiki wanted  to use his hold to carry him out.

This combination of actions  was good for Toyohibiki

Ura had momentum from the previous phase.  This was multiplied by combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Toyohibiki had significantly worse balance which greatly limited his ability to act.

Ura was slightly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Toyohibiki maintained a noticeable  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

Phase 3
At this point the fighters were locked together.

Ura unbalanced him further by trying to unbalance and throw him.

Ura improved his position by attempting to throw him down.

Toyohibiki was looking to lift him out.

This combination of actions  was good for Toyohibiki

Ura had momentum from the previous phase.  This was multiplied by combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Toyohibiki had significantly worse balance which greatly limited his ability to act.

Toyohibiki was slightly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Toyohibiki maintained a noticeable  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

Phase 4
At this point the fighters were locked together.

Ura was able to throw him down.

Ura won the bout when he was able to throw him.

Toyohibiki attempted to power him out.

This combination of actions  was good for Toyohibiki

Ura had momentum from the previous phase.  This was multiplied by combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Toyohibiki had significantly worse balance which greatly limited his ability to act.

Toyohibiki was slightly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Toyohibiki maintained a noticeable  weight advantage through the bout.

Toyohibiki used the rope in this phase.

The kimarite was Yorikiri  - frontal force out

Toyohibiki showed great intensity in this bout. The same could be said for Ura

Toyohibiki didn't concentrate on preventing his opponent from acting. Ura did a little to prevent his opponent's actions.

 

Bout No. 11

Chiyonoo versus Mitoryu

Preparing to fight now is

Chiyonoo.

He is ranked as

Juryo(6e)

He has been matched today with

Mitoryu.

Mitoryu

 is ranked as

Juryo(13e)

Mitoryu is taller and heavier than Chiyonoo.

The best chance for

Mitoryu

 may be his excellent

balance.

The crowd fall silent as the rikishi crouch…

Nokotta!

The rikishi move their great frames to the starting lines…

Chiyonoo

gets the better of the tachiai.

Chiyonoo

more or less stood up

whereas

Mitoryu

stayed very low.

Chiyonoo

shows nice inashi, outmanoeuvring

Mitoryu

whose thrusts lacked direction.

They immediately come together once more…

Chiyonoo

shows fine kumi skills, gaining the best position.

Mitoryu

loses balance trying to

connect cleanly with his thrust.

Neither man has secured any sort of grip.

Chiyonoo is on his toes and gradually making his opponent lose balance

Mitoryu was trying to force his opponent back.

He didn't connect and has lost balance!

Neither man has secured any sort of grip.

Chiyonoo pulls together a series of forceful movements and drives his opponent right off his feet and crashing out!  Nasty looking fall!

Chiyonoo wins by Oshitaoshi

Mitoryu was unable to get in a telling shove.

JASON'S REVIEW

Let's go back to how Chiyonoo won the tachiai.

Chiyonoo gained an advantage from a better tachiai height.

Mitoryu showed the greater application in what he was trying to do.

Chiyonoo expected his opponent to do that.

The tachiai is all about weight, speed and intensity or in a word, momentum.  Who can bring the most, or can you use your opponent's momentum against him? Chiyonoo definitely created more momentum.

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were still apart.

Chiyonoo got the better of this phase.

Chiyonoo improved his position by attempting to outmanoeuvre him.

Mitoryu attempted to hold him off.

This combination of actions  was good for Chiyonoo

Chiyonoo had momentum from the previous phase.  This was limited by the  combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Chiyonoo had a small advantage acting with the better balance.

Mitoryu was slightly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Mitoryu maintained a noticeable  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

Phase 3
At this point the fighters were still apart.

Chiyonoo unbalanced him further by trying to back off and pull.

Chiyonoo unbalanced him further by trying to make his opponent over-reach.

Mitoryu tried to push him back.

This combination of actions  was good for Chiyonoo

Chiyonoo had momentum from the previous phase.  This was limited by the  combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Chiyonoo had a small advantage acting with the better balance.

Mitoryu was slightly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Mitoryu maintained a noticeable  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

Phase 4
At this point the fighters were still apart.

Chiyonoo was clinical in managing to pull him forward and down.

Chiyonoo was able to outmanoeuvre him.

Mitoryu wanted  to hold him off.

This combination of actions  was good for Chiyonoo

Chiyonoo had momentum from the previous phase.  This was limited by the  combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Chiyonoo had much better balance which gave him a significant advantage in acting.

Mitoryu was slightly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Mitoryu maintained a noticeable  weight advantage through the bout.

Mitoryu used the rope in this phase.

The finish was Oshitaoshi  - Pushing the opponent down out of the ring (the opponent falls out of the ring instead of backing out)

Chiyonoo fought quite carefully. Mitoryu was totally committed to his actions.

Chiyonoo had some success in preventing his opponent's actions. Mitoryu did not do much to prevent his opponent's actions.

 

Bout No. 10

Homarefuji versus Tenei

On our left is the formidable

Homarefuji.

He has been instructed to fight with a   regular intensity.

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Tenei.

Tenei

 has been told that he should show a  regular intensity.

Tenei is taller but Homarefujiis the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Tenei

 may be his excellent

balance.

The ceremony is over, we are about to begin…

Nokotta!

a huge crash fills the arena as their bodies meet!

Homarefuji

starts best.

Homarefuji

stayed very low

whereas

Tenei

sprung up.

Homarefuji

works a right-arm inside grip on

Tenei

who gets an inferior hold.

The wrestlers search for good holds and positions in the yotsu-zumo.

The fighters are joined in a mass of heaving flesh.

Homarefuji is trying to throw his opponent but can quite execute.

Tenei couldn't get the position he needed to execute the throw.

They are leaning upon one another like rival walrus.

Homarefuji goes for a trip but it doesn’t work this time.

Tenei was trying to trip his opponent.

His hand nearly brushes the floor!

The two giants remain locked together.

Homarefuji uses all his weight to force out his opponent!

He wins by Oshidashi

Tenei went to throw and was caught off balance.

JASON'S REVIEW

Let's go back to how Homarefuji won the tachiai.

Homarefuji gained an advantage from a better tachiai height.

There was not much too choose between them in terms of skill.

The tachiai tactics more or less cancelled each other out.

The tachiai is all about weight, speed and intensity or in a word, momentum.  Who can bring the most, or can you use your opponent's momentum against him? Homarefuji definitely created more momentum.

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were locked together.

Homarefuji got the better of this phase.

Homarefuji made progress by trying  to throw him down.

Tenei tried to unbalance and throw him.

This combination of actions didn't give either an advantage.

Homarefuji had momentum from the previous phase.  This was limited by the  combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Homarefuji had a small advantage acting with the better balance.

Homarefuji was slightly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Homarefuji maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

Phase 3
At this point the fighters were locked together.

Homarefuji was partially successful in his attempt  to throw him.

Homarefuji improved his position by attempting to twist and topple him.

Tenei attempted to throw him.

This combination of actions didn't give either an advantage.

Homarefuji had momentum from the previous phase.  This was limited by the  combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Homarefuji had a small advantage acting with the better balance.

Homarefuji was slightly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Homarefuji maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

Phase 4
At this point the fighters were locked together.

Homarefuji was partially successful in his attempt  to throw him down.

Homarefuji was partially successful in his attempt  to twist and topple him.

Tenei wanted  to throw him down.

This combination of actions didn't give either an advantage.

Homarefuji had momentum from the previous phase.  This was limited by the  combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Homarefuji had a small advantage acting with the better balance.

Homarefuji was slightly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Homarefuji maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

Phase 5
At this point the fighters were locked together.

Homarefuji was clinical in managing to throw him.

Homarefuji was clinical in managing to twist and topple him.

Tenei tried to throw him down.

This combination of actions didn't give either an advantage.

Homarefuji had momentum from the previous phase.  This was limited by the  combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Homarefuji had much better balance which gave him a significant advantage in acting.

Homarefuji was slightly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Homarefuji maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Tenei used the rope in this phase.

The finish was Oshidashi  - Pushing the opponent out of the ring

Homarefuji fought with moderate intensity. The same could be said for Tenei

Homarefuji had some success in preventing his opponent's actions. Tenei did not do much to prevent his opponent's actions.

 

Bout No. 9

Amakaze versus Onozuna

On the east side we have

Amakaze.

He is from the

Oguruma heya.

His challenger today is

Onozuna.

Onozuna

 trains at the

Chiganoura stable.

Amakaze is taller and heavier than Onozuna.

The best chance for

Amakaze

 may be his excellent

technique.

They position themselves for the tachiai…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

gasps from the crowd as they slam together!

Amakaze

wins the tachiai battle.

Amakaze

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Amakaze

lets loose harite, a fury of slaps against the face of

Onozuna

whose thrusts lacked direction.

They immediately come together once more…

Amakaze

drives his way forward.

Onozuna

rocks back and tries to hold

as he tries to pull his opponent's arm.

For a moment there is space between the fighters…

Amakaze forces him back by his shoulder, back and out!

Amakaze wins by Oshidashi

Onozuna looked like a deer in headlights there!

JASON'S REVIEW

Let's go back to how Amakaze won the tachiai.

Neither fighter gained a significant advantage from their tachiai height.

Amakaze looks better skilled at that form of tachiai.

The tachiai tactics more or less cancelled each other out.

The tachiai is all about weight, speed and intensity or in a word, momentum.  Who can bring the most, or can you use your opponent's momentum against him? The relative momentum more or less cancelled each other out this time.

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were still apart.

Amakaze got the better of this phase.

Amakaze was partially successful in his attempt  to hold him off.

Onozuna was looking to pull him forward and down.

This combination of actions  was good for Onozuna

Amakaze had momentum from the previous phase.  This was multiplied by combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Amakaze had less balance than his opponent which put him at a small disadvantage.

Amakaze was significantly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Amakaze maintained a noticeable  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase. Onozuna slipped badly.

Phase 3
At this point the fighters were still apart.

Amakaze executed well to push and shove.

Amakaze was clinical in managing to hold him off.

Onozuna tried to outmanoeuvre him.

This combination of actions  was good for Onozuna

Amakaze had momentum from the previous phase.  This was multiplied by combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Amakaze had much better balance which gave him a significant advantage in acting.

Amakaze was significantly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Amakaze maintained a noticeable  weight advantage through the bout.

Onozuna used the rope in this phase.

The finish was Oshidashi  - Pushing the opponent out of the ring

Amakaze showed great intensity in this bout. Onozuna held back a little.

Amakaze didn't concentrate on preventing his opponent from acting. Onozuna did a little to prevent his opponent's actions.

 

Bout No. 8

Hidenoumi versus Matsuoka

In higashi-kata (the eastern side of the dohyo) is

Hidenoumi.

He is from the

Kise heya.

Facing him is

Matsuoka.

Matsuoka

 trains at the

Takekuma stable.

Hidenoumi is taller and heavier than Matsuoka.

The best chance for

Hidenoumi

 may be his excellent

technique.

We are ready for the tachiai…

Nokotta!

both rikishi launch forwards!

Hidenoumi

looks to have the advantage.

Hidenoumi

stayed close to the ground - what might be called "hira-gumo" or "low spider" technique

whereas

Matsuoka

stayed very low.

Hidenoumi

lets loose harite, a fury of slaps against the face of

Matsuoka

was trying to reach his opponent's belt.

They immediately come together once more…

Hidenoumi

gets a hold under his opponents arms and moves him towards the outside.

Matsuoka

is taken back

as he tries to pull his opponent's arm.

If either man wanted a hold they have failed.

Hidenoumi powers into his opponent, knocking him back.

Matsuoka failed to get out of the way.

He is using the tawara to stop himself going out!

The rikishi remain separated.

Hidenoumi gets some momentum and keeps going with it!  Great push out!

A win by Oshidashi

Matsuoka couldn't match the speed of the attack.

JASON'S REVIEW

Let's go back to how Hidenoumi won the tachiai.

Hidenoumi gained an advantage from a better tachiai height.

Hidenoumi looks better skilled at that form of tachiai.

Hidenoumi expected his opponent to do that.

The tachiai is all about weight, speed and intensity or in a word, momentum.  Who can bring the most, or can you use your opponent's momentum against him? Matsuoka put more behind his tachiai than Hidenoumi

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were still apart.

Hidenoumi got the better of this phase.

Hidenoumi was partially successful in his attempt  to force him back with an oshi attack.

Matsuoka was looking to outmanoeuvre him.

This combination of actions  was good for Matsuoka

Hidenoumi had momentum from the previous phase.  This was multiplied by combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Hidenoumi had a small advantage acting with the better balance.

Matsuoka was slightly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Hidenoumi maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

Phase 3
At this point the fighters were still apart.

Hidenoumi improved his position by attempting to force him back with an oshi attack.

Hidenoumi improved his position by attempting to push and shove.

Matsuoka attempted to back off and pull.

This combination of actions  was good for Matsuoka

Hidenoumi had momentum from the previous phase.  This was multiplied by combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Hidenoumi had a small advantage acting with the better balance.

Hidenoumi was slightly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Hidenoumi maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

Phase 4
At this point the fighters were still apart.

Hidenoumi won the bout when he was able to push him back.

Hidenoumi was able to push and shove.

Matsuoka wanted  to pull him forward and down.

This combination of actions  was good for Matsuoka

Hidenoumi had momentum from the previous phase.  This was multiplied by combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Hidenoumi had much better balance which gave him a significant advantage in acting.

Hidenoumi was slightly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Hidenoumi maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Matsuoka used the rope in this phase. Matsuoka slipped badly.

A win by Oshidashi  - Pushing the opponent out of the ring

Hidenoumi showed great intensity in this bout. Matsuoka held back a little.

Hidenoumi didn't concentrate on preventing his opponent from acting. Matsuoka did a little to prevent his opponent's actions.

 

Bout No. 7

Asanoyama versus Kotoeko

In higashi-kata (the eastern side of the dohyo) is

Asanoyama.

He is ranked as

Juryo(4e)

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Kotoeko.

Kotoeko

 is ranked as

Juryo(11e)

Asanoyama is taller and heavier than Kotoeko.

The best chance for

Asanoyama

 may be his excellent

balance.

We are ready for the tachiai…

Nokotta!

and bang!  They come together like trains!

Kotoeko

unbalances his opponent.

Kotoeko

more or less stood up

whereas

Asanoyama

stayed very low.

Kotoeko

manages passing dasinage (a belt pulling move without body contact), unsettling

Asanoyama

whose oshi-zumo was not very effective.

They immediately come together once more…

Kotoeko

pulls his opponent off balance.

Asanoyama

has been outmanoeuvred!

Graceful movement of both feet and hands by

Kotoeko

who wins by

Yorikiri

JASON'S REVIEW

Let's go back to how Kotoeko won the tachiai.

Kotoeko benefitted from his tachiai height relative to Asanoyama

Asanoyama looks better skilled at that form of tachiai.

Kotoeko out thought his opponent and gained an advantage over Asanoyama

The tachiai is all about weight, speed and intensity or in a word, momentum.  Who can bring the most, or can you use your opponent's momentum against him? Kotoeko put more behind his tachiai than Asanoyama

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were still apart.

This is where Kotoeko made his winning move.

Kotoeko won the bout when he was able to make his opponent over-reach.

Asanoyama attempted to hold him off.

This combination of actions  was good for Kotoeko

Kotoeko had momentum from the previous phase.  This was multiplied by combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Asanoyama had significantly worse balance which greatly limited his ability to act.

Asanoyama was significantly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Asanoyama maintained a noticeable  weight advantage through the bout.

Asanoyama used the rope in this phase.

A win by Yorikiri  - frontal force out

Asanoyama showed great intensity in this bout. Kotoeko held back a little.

Asanoyama didn't concentrate on preventing his opponent from acting. Kotoeko did a little to prevent his opponent's actions.

 

Bout No. 6

Kyokushuho versus Tsurugisho

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Kyokushuho.

He has been instructed to fight with a   very measured intensity.

Opposite him will be

Tsurugisho.

Tsurugisho

 has been told that he should show a  very high intensity.

Kyokushuho is taller than Tsurugisho but Tsurugisho is heavier.

The best chance for

Kyokushuho

 may be his excellent

speed.

The rikishi take their positions…

Nokotta!

the rikishi smash into each other!

Tsurugisho

wins the tachiai battle.

Tsurugisho

stayed very low

whereas

Kyokushuho

more or less stood up.

Tsurugisho

fixes a good left hand grip on the mawashi of

Kyokushuho

who wasn't quick enough to avoid getting caught.

The wrestlers search for good holds and positions in the yotsu-zumo.

They are locked together - will this suit the bigger man?

Kyokushuho lifts his opponent but is unable to move him far.

Tsurugisho was trying a throw but didn't have the strength.

They are leaning upon one another like rival walrus.

Tsurugisho lifts and waddles him out on his belly!

Tsurugisho wins by Yorikiri

Kyokushuho looked like he was trying to throw him down.

JASON'S REVIEW

Let's go back to how Tsurugisho won the tachiai.

Kyokushuho gained an advantage from a better tachiai height.

There was not much too choose between them in terms of skill.

Tsurugisho out thought his opponent and gained an advantage over Kyokushuho

The tachiai is all about weight, speed and intensity or in a word, momentum.  Who can bring the most, or can you use your opponent's momentum against him? Kyokushuho definitely created more momentum.

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were locked together.

Tsurugisho got the better of this phase.

Tsurugisho made progress by trying  to throw him.

Kyokushuho was looking to power him out.

This combination of actions  was good for Kyokushuho

Tsurugisho had momentum from the previous phase.  This was limited by the  combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Kyokushuho had less balance than his opponent which put him at a small disadvantage.

Tsurugisho was significantly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Tsurugisho maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

Phase 3
At this point the fighters were locked together.

Kyokushuho unbalanced him further by trying to use his hold to carry him out.

Kyokushuho unbalanced him further by trying to use his hold to carry him out.

Tsurugisho attempted to throw him down.

This combination of actions  was good for Kyokushuho

Tsurugisho had momentum from the previous phase.  This was limited by the  combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Kyokushuho had less balance than his opponent which put him at a small disadvantage.

Tsurugisho was slightly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Tsurugisho maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase. Tsurugisho slipped badly.

Phase 4
At this point the fighters were locked together.

Tsurugisho was able to use his hold to carry him out.

Tsurugisho won the bout when he was able to lift him out.

Kyokushuho wanted  to throw him down.

This combination of actions  was good for Tsurugisho

Kyokushuho had momentum from the previous phase.  This was limited by the  combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Kyokushuho had less balance than his opponent which put him at a small disadvantage.

Tsurugisho was significantly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Tsurugisho maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

The kimarite was Yorikiri  - frontal force out

Kyokushuho fought quite carefully. Tsurugisho was totally committed to his actions.

Kyokushuho had some success in preventing his opponent's actions. Tsurugisho did not do much to prevent his opponent's actions.

 

Bout No. 5

Takanoiwa versus Osunaarashi

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Takanoiwa.

He has been instructed to fight with a   very measured intensity.

Facing him is

Osunaarashi.

Osunaarashi

 has been told that he should show a  regular intensity.

Osunaarashi is taller and heavier than Takanoiwa.

The best chance for

Osunaarashi

 may be his excellent

technique.

They position themselves for the tachiai…

Nokotta!

the rikishi collide in an awesome crash!

Takanoiwa

unbalances his opponent.

Takanoiwa

more or less stood up

whereas

Osunaarashi

stayed close to the ground - what might be called "hira-gumo" or "low spider" technique .

Takanoiwa

manages passing dasinage (a belt pulling move without body contact), unsettling

Osunaarashi

whose oshi-zumo was not very effective.

They immediately come together once more…

Takanoiwa

uses quick feet to gain a superior angle.

Osunaarashi

isn't quick enough to

get into position.

Neither man has secured any sort of grip.

Takanoiwa gets some momentum and keeps going with it!  Great push out!

Takanoiwa wins by Oshidashi

Osunaarashi was not quick enough on his feet.

JASON'S REVIEW

Let's go back to how Takanoiwa won the tachiai.

Takanoiwa gained an advantage from a better tachiai height.

There was not much too choose between them in terms of skill.

Takanoiwa expected his opponent to do that.

The tachiai is all about weight, speed and intensity or in a word, momentum.  Who can bring the most, or can you use your opponent's momentum against him? The relative momentum more or less cancelled each other out this time.

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were still apart.

Takanoiwa got the better of this phase.

Takanoiwa was partially successful in his attempt  to make his opponent over-reach.

Osunaarashi wanted  to make his opponent over-reach.

This combination of actions didn't give either an advantage.

Takanoiwa had momentum from the previous phase.  This was limited by the  combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Takanoiwa had much better balance which gave him a significant advantage in acting.

Takanoiwa was slightly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Osunaarashi maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Osunaarashi used the rope in this phase. Takanoiwa lost his footing.

Phase 3
At this point the fighters were still apart.

Takanoiwa was clinical in managing to outmanoeuvre him.

Takanoiwa was clinical in managing to back off and pull.

Osunaarashi wanted  to back off and pull.

This combination of actions didn't give either an advantage.

Takanoiwa had momentum from the previous phase.  This was limited by the  combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Takanoiwa had much better balance which gave him a significant advantage in acting.

Takanoiwa was significantly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Osunaarashi maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Osunaarashi used the rope in this phase.

A win by Oshidashi  - Pushing the opponent out of the ring

Takanoiwa fought quite carefully. Osunaarashi held back a little.

Takanoiwa had some success in preventing his opponent's actions. Osunaarashi did a little to prevent his opponent's actions.

 

Bout No. 4

Sadanoumi versus Yamaguchi

Preparing to fight now is

Sadanoumi.

He has been instructed to fight with a   very measured intensity.

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi

 has been told that he should show a  very measured intensity.

Yamaguchi is taller and heavier than Sadanoumi.

The best chance for

Yamaguchi

 may be his excellent

technique.

We are ready for the tachiai…

Nokotta!

a gigantic collision as the rikishi meet!

Sadanoumi

unbalances his opponent.

Sadanoumi

more or less stood up

whereas

Yamaguchi

sprung up.

Sadanoumi

is quick to try hataki (slap down)on

Yamaguchi

whose blows did not land as intended

They immediately come together once more…

Sadanoumi

uses quick feet to gain a superior angle.

Yamaguchi

is in real trouble!

What a skilful passing move by

Sadanoumi

who wins by

Yorikiri

JASON'S REVIEW

Let's go back to how Sadanoumi won the tachiai.

Yamaguchi benefitted from his tachiai height relative to Sadanoumi

Sadanoumi looks better skilled at that form of tachiai.

Sadanoumi expected his opponent to do that.

The tachiai is all about weight, speed and intensity or in a word, momentum.  Who can bring the most, or can you use your opponent's momentum against him? Sadanoumi definitely created more momentum.

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were still apart.

This is where Sadanoumi made his winning move.

Sadanoumi executed well to make his opponent over-reach.

Yamaguchi wanted  to back off and pull.

This combination of actions didn't give either an advantage.

Sadanoumi had momentum from the previous phase.  This was limited by the  combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Sadanoumi had much better balance which gave him a significant advantage in acting.

Sadanoumi was significantly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Yamaguchi maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase. Yamaguchi slipped badly.

The kimarite was Yorikiri  - frontal force out

Sadanoumi fought quite carefully. The same could be said for Yamaguchi

Sadanoumi did a great deal to prevent his opponent from acting. Yamaguchi did a little to prevent his opponent's actions.

 

Bout No. 3

Takekaze versus Tokushoryu

Now we see

Takekaze.

He is from the

Oguruma heya.

His opponent today is

Tokushoryu.

Tokushoryu

 trains at the

Kise stable.

Tokushoryu is taller and heavier than Takekaze.

The best chance for

Takekaze

 may be his excellent

balance.

The referee calls them to the centre of the dohyo…

Nokotta!

a huge crash fills the arena as their bodies meet!

Tokushoryu

looks to have the advantage.

Tokushoryu

sprung up

whereas

Takekaze

stayed very low.

Tokushoryu

body charge forces back

Takekaze

attempted a belt hold.

They immediately come together once more…

Tokushoryu

drives his way forward.

Takekaze

is forced backwards and out!

What a powerful attack by

Tokushoryu

who wins by

Oshidashi

JASON'S REVIEW

Let's go back to how Tokushoryu won the tachiai.

Takekaze gained an advantage from a better tachiai height.

Tokushoryu showed the greater application in what he was trying to do.

Tokushoryu out thought his opponent and gained an advantage over Takekaze

The tachiai is all about weight, speed and intensity or in a word, momentum.  Who can bring the most, or can you use your opponent's momentum against him? Tokushoryu put more behind his tachiai than Takekaze

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were still apart.

This is where Tokushoryu made his winning move.

Tokushoryu was clinical in managing to hold him off.

Takekaze wanted  to get a belt hold.

This combination of actions  was good for Tokushoryu

Tokushoryu had momentum from the previous phase.  This was limited by the  combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Takekaze had significantly worse balance which greatly limited his ability to act.

Tokushoryu was significantly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Tokushoryu maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

A win by Oshidashi  - Pushing the opponent out of the ring

Takekaze showed great intensity in this bout. Tokushoryu did not commit himself.

Takekaze didn't concentrate on preventing his opponent from acting. Tokushoryu did not do much to prevent his opponent's actions.

 

Bout No. 2

Abi versus Tochihiryu

Now we see

Abi.

He is from the

Benihana heya.

Opposite him will be

Tochihiryu.

Tochihiryu

 trains at the

Kasugano stable.

Abi is taller than Tochihiryu but Tochihiryu is heavier.

The best chance for

Abi

 may be his excellent

balance.

The two stare at each other before the tachiai…

Nokotta!

both rikishi launch forwards!

Tochihiryu

gets the better of the tachiai.

Tochihiryu

more or less stood up

whereas

Abi

stayed very low.

Tochihiryu

shows nice inashi, outmanoeuvring

Abi

attempted a belt hold.

They immediately come together once more…

Tochihiryu

slaps down on his opponent and moves.

Abi

loses balance trying to

get into position.

For a moment there is space between the fighters…

Tochihiryu rests on his opponent and then bursts into action, lifting him clean out!

Tochihiryu wins by Yorikiri

Abi looked like he was trying for some sort of downward slap.

JASON'S REVIEW

Let's go back to how Tochihiryu won the tachiai.

Tochihiryu benefitted from his tachiai height relative to Abi

Tochihiryu showed the greater application in what he was trying to do.

Abi expected his opponent to do that.

The tachiai is all about weight, speed and intensity or in a word, momentum.  Who can bring the most, or can you use your opponent's momentum against him? Tochihiryu put more behind his tachiai than Abi

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were still apart.

Tochihiryu got the better of this phase.

Tochihiryu was partially successful in his attempt  to back off and pull.

Abi tried to make his opponent over-reach.

This combination of actions didn't give either an advantage.

Tochihiryu had momentum from the previous phase.  This was limited by the  combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Abi had less balance than his opponent which put him at a small disadvantage.

Tochihiryu was slightly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Tochihiryu maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

Phase 3
At this point the fighters were still apart.

Tochihiryu won the bout when he was able to make his opponent over-reach.

Tochihiryu executed well to pull him forward and down.

Abi was looking to pull him forward and down.

This combination of actions didn't give either an advantage.

Tochihiryu had momentum from the previous phase.  This was limited by the  combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Abi had significantly worse balance which greatly limited his ability to act.

Tochihiryu was slightly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Tochihiryu maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Abi used the rope in this phase.

The finish was Yorikiri  - frontal force out

Abi showed great intensity in this bout. Tochihiryu did not commit himself.

Abi didn't concentrate on preventing his opponent from acting. Tochihiryu did a little to prevent his opponent's actions.

 

Bout No. 1

Aminishiki versus Seiro

On the east side we have

Aminishiki.

He has been instructed to fight with a   regular intensity.

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Seiro.

Seiro

 has been told that he should show a  very measured intensity.

Seiro is taller and heavier than Aminishiki.

The best chance for

Aminishiki

 may be his excellent

balance.

The referee calls them to the centre of the dohyo…

Nokotta!

the rikishi smash into each other!

Seiro

starts best.

Seiro

sprung up

whereas

Aminishiki

stayed very low.

Seiro

exchanges slaps while improving his dohyo position over

Aminishiki

was trying to grapple.

They immediately come together once more…

Seiro

circles back, pulling at a leading arm and gains the advantage.

Aminishiki

is in real trouble!

Wonderful hataki by

Seiro

who wins by

Oshidashi

JASON'S REVIEW

Let's go back to how Seiro won the tachiai.

Aminishiki gained an advantage from a better tachiai height.

Seiro showed the greater application in what he was trying to do.

Aminishiki expected his opponent to do that.

The tachiai is all about weight, speed and intensity or in a word, momentum.  Who can bring the most, or can you use your opponent's momentum against him? Seiro put more behind his tachiai than Aminishiki

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were still apart.

This is where Seiro made his winning move.

Seiro was able to pull him forward and down.

Aminishiki attempted to find the mawashi.

This combination of actions  was good for Aminishiki

Seiro had momentum from the previous phase.  This was limited by the  combined intensity of the two rikishi.

At this point Aminishiki had significantly worse balance which greatly limited his ability to act.

Seiro was significantly more skilled in his ability to execute his intended action.

Seiro maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

The finish was Oshidashi  - Pushing the opponent out of the ring

Aminishiki fought with moderate intensity. Seiro did not commit himself.

Aminishiki didn't concentrate on preventing his opponent from acting. Seiro did a little to prevent his opponent's actions.