Bout No. 9

Tsukahara versus Kiminofuji

On the east side we have

Tsukahara.

He is from the

Reijinguoshan heya.

His opponent today is

Kiminofuji.

Kiminofuji

 trains at the

unplaced stable.

Kiminofuji is taller but Tsukaharais the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Tsukahara

 may be his excellent

technique.

We are ready for the tachiai…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

the rikishi collide in an awesome crash!

Tsukahara

wins the tachiai battle.

Tsukahara

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Tsukahara

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

Kiminofuji

attempted a belt hold.

They immediately come together once more…

Kiminofuji

gets and excellent over arm hold

Tsukahara

has been brought into an unfavourable grapple - 

he tried to push him away.

Now they become locked.

Tsukahara muscles his opponents away from the centre of the dohyo.

Kiminofuji was trying to trip his opponent.

This is turning into an epic bout. Sweat is oozing from both men!

Tsukahara has the better position but is making only slow progress.

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

The wrestlers continue to seek a telling grip on the other's belt.

Kiminofuji seems to have the better yorimi (yori skills) and make progress carrying his opponent to the rope.

Tsukahara was not strong enough today.

A feint foothold on the tawara is all that’s saving him!

This is turning into an epic bout. Sweat is oozing from both men!

Tsukahara uses his stomach to push back his opponent (gabburi-yori).

Kiminofuji couldn't get enough behind the throw.

He has his heel on the rope in desperation!

The rikishi rest upon one another, breathing hard.

Kiminofuji is all over his opponent and then ruthlessly slams him into the crowd from behind!

A win by Okuritaoshi

Tsukahara couldn't shift his opponent.

JASON'S REVIEW

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

Neither fighter gained a significant advantage from their tachiai height.

Tsukahara looks better skilled at that form of tachiai.

Tsukahara 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? Tsukahara definitely created more momentum.

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were still apart.

Kiminofuji got the better of this phase.

Kiminofuji improved his position by attempting to get a belt grip.

Tsukahara tried to push him back.

This combination of actions  was good for Tsukahara

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

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

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

Tsukahara 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.

Tsukahara unbalanced him further by trying to carry him out.

Tsukahara was partially successful in his attempt  to carry him out.

Kiminofuji attempted to twist and topple him.

This combination of actions  was good for Tsukahara

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

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

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

Tsukahara 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.

Tsukahara was partially successful in his attempt  to use his hold to carry him out.

Tsukahara was partially successful in his attempt  to lift him out.

Kiminofuji was looking to carry him out.

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

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

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

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

Tsukahara 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.

Kiminofuji made progress by trying  to use his hold to carry him out.

Kiminofuji improved his position by attempting to lift him out.

Tsukahara tried to lift him out.

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

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

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

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

Tsukahara maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase. Tsukahara lost his footing.

Phase 6
At this point the fighters were locked together.

Tsukahara was partially successful in his attempt  to carry him out.

Tsukahara was partially successful in his attempt  to lift him out.

Kiminofuji tried to throw him down.

This combination of actions  was good for Tsukahara

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

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

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

Tsukahara maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Tsukahara used the rope in this phase.

Phase 7
At this point the fighters were locked together.

Kiminofuji was clinical in managing to use his hold to carry him out.

Kiminofuji was clinical in managing to use his hold to carry him out.

Tsukahara tried to lift him out.

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

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

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

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

Tsukahara maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

The kimarite was Okuritaoshi  - rear push down

Tsukahara fought with moderate intensity. The same could be said for Kiminofuji

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

 

Bout No. 8

Orgiryu versus Moriurara

On the east side we have

Orgiryu.

He is from the

unplaced heya.

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Moriurara.

Moriurara

 trains at the

unplaced stable.

Moriurara is taller and heavier than Orgiryu.

The best chance for

Moriurara

 may be his excellent

technique.

The wrestlers squat, eying one another…

Nokotta!

The rikishi move their great frames to the starting lines…

Orgiryu

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Orgiryu

more or less stood up

whereas

Moriurara

stayed very low.

Orgiryu

exchanges slaps while improving his dohyo position over

Moriurara

whose oshi-zumo was not very effective.

They immediately come together once more…

Moriurara

gets an excellent rear belt hold with his left hand.

Orgiryu

is in the weaker yotsu position although

he was trying to avoid this contact.

Both pairs of hands frantically search for the opponent's mawashi.

Moriurara heaves his opponent to the rice  - but not quite over.

Orgiryu couldn't get enough behind the throw.

The crowd applaud warmly at this prolonged effort!

Moriurara seems to have the better yorimi (yori skills) and make progress carrying his opponent to the rope.

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

They are leaning upon one another like rival walrus.

Moriurara heaves his opponent to the tawara - but not quite over.

Orgiryu couldn't get enough behind the throw.

He has been pushed right back to the tawara!

The stalemate is unbroken.  They remain with faces pressed sideways into shoulders.

Moriurara lifts and waddles him out on his belly!

He wins by Yorikiri

Orgiryu couldn't get enough motion into his attempted throw.

JASON'S REVIEW

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

Orgiryu gained an advantage from a better tachiai height.

Orgiryu looks better skilled at that form of tachiai.

Orgiryu 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? Moriurara put more behind his tachiai than Orgiryu

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were still apart.

Moriurara got the better of this phase.

Moriurara improved his position by attempting to find the mawashi.

Orgiryu attempted to make his opponent over-reach.

This combination of actions  was good for Moriurara

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

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

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

Moriurara maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase. Orgiryu lost his footing.

Phase 3
At this point the fighters were locked together.

Moriurara unbalanced him further by trying to power him out.

Moriurara improved his position by attempting to use his hold to carry him out.

Orgiryu attempted to unbalance and throw him.

This combination of actions  was good for Moriurara

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

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

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

Moriurara 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.

Moriurara was partially successful in his attempt  to carry him out.

Moriurara improved his position by attempting to carry him out.

Orgiryu was looking to throw him down.

This combination of actions  was good for Moriurara

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

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

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

Moriurara 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.

Moriurara made progress by trying  to carry him out.

Moriurara was partially successful in his attempt  to carry him out.

Orgiryu tried to unbalance and throw him.

This combination of actions  was good for Moriurara

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

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

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

Moriurara maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

Phase 6
At this point the fighters were locked together.

Moriurara executed well to lift him out.

Moriurara won the bout when he was able to carry him out.

Orgiryu attempted to throw him.

This combination of actions  was good for Moriurara

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

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

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

Moriurara maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

The kimarite was Yorikiri  - frontal force out

Orgiryu fought with moderate intensity. The same could be said for Moriurara

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

 

Bout No. 7

Kotomiyakura versus Narumi

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Kotomiyakura.

He is from the

unplaced heya.

His opponent today is

Narumi.

Narumi

 trains at the

unplaced stable.

Narumi is taller and heavier than Kotomiyakura.

The best chance for

Narumi

 may be his excellent

technique.

The rikishi move into tachiai position…

Nokotta!

gasps from the crowd as they slam together!

Narumi

immediately gains momentum.

Narumi

more or less stood up

as did his opponent.

Narumi

shows nice inashi, outmanoeuvring

Kotomiyakura

who tried to evade.

They immediately come together once more…

Narumi

slaps down on his opponent and moves.

Kotomiyakura

isn't quick enough to

get into position.

The thrusting tactics have dominated the start of this bout.

Narumi cleverly slaps his opponent's should, knocking him slightly off balance.

Kotomiyakura was not quick enough on his feet.

If either man wanted a hold they have failed.

Narumi works his arm behind his opponent and is able to throw him down!

Narumi wins by Sukuinage

Kotomiyakura was trying to get to the side.

JASON'S REVIEW

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

Neither fighter gained a significant advantage from their tachiai height.

Kotomiyakura 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.

Narumi got the better of this phase.

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

Kotomiyakura attempted to make his opponent over-reach.

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

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

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

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

Narumi 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.

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

Narumi made progress by trying  to back off and pull.

Kotomiyakura tried to pull him forward and down.

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

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

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

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

Narumi 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.

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

Narumi was clinical in managing to outmanoeuvre him.

Kotomiyakura tried to back off and pull.

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

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

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

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

Narumi maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

A win by Sukuinage  - beltless arm throw

Kotomiyakura fought with moderate intensity. The same could be said for Narumi

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

 

Bout No. 6

Shachinofugi versus Osumifuji

Preparing to fight now is

Shachinofugi.

He is ranked as

Makashita(3w)

Opposite him will be

Osumifuji.

Osumifuji

 is ranked as

Makashita(3e)

Osumifuji is taller and heavier than Shachinofugi.

The best chance for

Osumifuji

 may be his excellent

technique.

The ceremony is over, we are about to begin…

Nokotta!

a deafening slap of flesh as they collide!

Osumifuji

looks to have the advantage.

Osumifuji

stayed very low

whereas

Shachinofugi

more or less stood up.

Osumifuji

delivered his shoulder to the throat of

Shachinofugi

who was trying to prevent that.

They immediately come together once more…

Osumifuji

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

Shachinofugi

is unbalanced and is forced back.

as he tried to grab the mawashi.

After that flail of arms the fighters remain apart.

Osumifuji drives his opponent back.

Shachinofugi couldn’t not reach his opponent's belt.

He is so close to going out!

They bounce off each other and prepare to launch their next attacks.

Osumifuji is low and springs with powerful legs, running his opponent out of the ring!

Osumifuji wins by Oshidashi

Shachinofugi never got a lasting hold.

JASON'S REVIEW

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

Shachinofugi gained an advantage from a better tachiai height.

Shachinofugi looks better skilled at that form of tachiai.

Shachinofugi 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.

Osumifuji got the better of this phase.

Osumifuji unbalanced him further by trying to push him back.

Shachinofugi was looking to get a belt grip.

This combination of actions  was good for Osumifuji

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

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

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

Osumifuji 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.

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

Osumifuji made progress by trying  to force him back with an oshi attack.

Shachinofugi was looking to find the mawashi.

This combination of actions  was good for Osumifuji

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

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

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

Osumifuji 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.

Osumifuji executed well to force him back with an oshi attack.

Osumifuji executed well to push and shove.

Shachinofugi tried to find the mawashi.

This combination of actions  was good for Osumifuji

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

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

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

Osumifuji maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Shachinofugi used the rope in this phase.

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

Shachinofugi fought with moderate intensity. The same could be said for Osumifuji

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

 

Bout No. 5

Kizenryu versus Mitsumune

On the east side we have

Kizenryu.

He has been instructed to fight with a   regular intensity.

His challenger today is

Mitsumune.

Mitsumune

 has been told that he should show a  regular intensity.

Kizenryu is taller and heavier than Mitsumune.

The best chance for

Kizenryu

 may be his excellent

technique.

The rikishi take their positions…

Nokotta!

only the screams of the referee match the energy of the tachiai!

Mitsumune

starts better.

Mitsumune

sprung up

whereas

Kizenryu

stayed very low.

Mitsumune

has a favourable hold on the mawashi of

Kizenryu

whose blows did not land as intended

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

Mitsumune

uses his advantage and

is able to lift the body of his opponent to win!

He showed tremendous strength!

Kizenryu

was trying to

slap him off.

Mitsumune wins by

Yorikiri

JASON'S REVIEW

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

Mitsumune benefitted from his tachiai height relative to Kizenryu

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

Kizenryu 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? Mitsumune put more behind his tachiai than Kizenryu

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were locked together.

This is where Mitsumune made his winning move.

Mitsumune was clinical in managing to throw him down.

Kizenryu tried to power him out.

This combination of actions  was good for Kizenryu

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

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

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

Kizenryu maintained a small  weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

The kimarite was Yorikiri  - frontal force out

Kizenryu fought with moderate intensity. The same could be said for Mitsumune

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

 

Bout No. 4

Daishoho versus Fukuda

Preparing to fight now is

Daishoho.

He is ranked as

Makashita(6w)

Opposite him will be

Fukuda.

Fukuda

 is ranked as

Makashita(4e)

Fukuda is taller but Daishohois the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Daishoho

 may be his excellent

technique.

The rikishi take their positions…

Nokotta!

a deafening slap of flesh as they collide!

Daishoho

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Daishoho

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

whereas

Fukuda

stayed very low.

Daishoho

makes a series of effective shoves on

Fukuda

whose oshi-zumo was not very effective.

They immediately come together once more…

Daishoho

drives his way forward.

Fukuda

isn't strong enough to stop him!

What a powerful attack by

Daishoho

who wins by

Tsukidashi

JASON'S REVIEW

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

Daishoho 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? Daishoho definitely created more momentum.

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were still apart.

This is where Daishoho made his winning move.

Daishoho was able to push him back.

Fukuda wanted  to get a belt hold.

This combination of actions  was good for Daishoho

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

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

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

Daishoho maintained a noticeable  weight advantage through the bout.

Fukuda used the rope in this phase.

The finish was Tsukidashi  - frontal thrust out

Daishoho showed great intensity in this bout. Fukuda held back a little.

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

 

Bout No. 3

Takagenji versus Kotoimagawa

Preparing to fight now is

Takagenji.

He is ranked as

Makashita(2e)

He has been matched today with

Kotoimagawa.

Kotoimagawa

 is ranked as

Makashita(18e)

Takagenji is taller and heavier than Kotoimagawa.

The best chance for

Takagenji

 may be his excellent

technique.

The wrestlers squat, eying one another…

Nokotta!

and bang!  They come together like trains!

Kotoimagawa

starts better.

Kotoimagawa

more or less stood up

whereas

Takagenji

stayed very low.

Kotoimagawa

shows nice inashi, outmanoeuvring

Takagenji

whose thrusts lacked direction.

They immediately come together once more…

Kotoimagawa

slaps down on his opponent and moves.

Takagenji

is in real trouble!

Graceful movement of both feet and hands by

Kotoimagawa

who wins by

Oshidashi

JASON'S REVIEW

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

Kotoimagawa benefitted from his tachiai height relative to Takagenji

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

Kotoimagawa out thought his opponent and gained an advantage over Takagenji

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.

This is where Kotoimagawa made his winning move.

Kotoimagawa was clinical in managing to outmanoeuvre him.

Takagenji wanted  to push him back.

This combination of actions  was good for Kotoimagawa

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

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

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

Takagenji maintained a significant  weight advantage through the bout.

Takagenji used the rope in this phase.

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

Takagenji showed great intensity in this bout. Kotoimagawa held back a little.

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

 

Bout No. 2

Akua versus Shimizu

Now we see

Akua.

He is from the

Tatsunami heya.

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Shimizu.

Shimizu

 trains at the

unplaced stable.

Shimizu is taller but Akuais the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Akua

 may be his excellent

technique.

The wrestlers squat, eying one another…

Nokotta!

and bang!  They come together like trains!

Shimizu

unbalances his opponent.

Shimizu

more or less stood up

whereas

Akua

stayed very low.

Shimizu

shows nice inashi, outmanoeuvring

Akua

whose oshi-zumo was not very effective.

They immediately come together once more…

Shimizu

pulls his opponent off balance.

Akua

isn't quick enough to

secure a belt hold.

For a moment there is space between the fighters…

Shimizu is proving evasive and unbalancing his opponent with little pushes.

Akua literally never got to grips with his opponent.

He is trying to recover his balance!

They bounce off each other and prepare to launch their next attacks.

Shimizu shows sharp speed to get into position to win by shoulder slap down!

He wins by Hatukikomi

Akua needed to get inside and to the mawashi faster.

JASON'S REVIEW

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

Shimizu benefitted from his tachiai height relative to Akua

Akua looks better skilled at that form of tachiai.

Shimizu out thought his opponent and gained an advantage over Akua

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? Akua definitely created more momentum.

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were still apart.

Shimizu got the better of this phase.

Shimizu was partially successful in his attempt  to pull him forward and down.

Akua tried to get a belt hold.

This combination of actions  was good for Akua

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

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

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

Akua maintained a noticeable  weight advantage through the bout.

Akua used the rope in this phase.

Phase 3
At this point the fighters were still apart.

Shimizu was partially successful in his attempt  to outmanoeuvre him.

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

Akua attempted to get a belt grip.

This combination of actions  was good for Akua

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

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

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

Akua maintained a noticeable  weight advantage through the bout.

Akua used the rope in this phase. Shimizu slipped badly.

Phase 4
At this point the fighters were still apart.

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

Shimizu was able to pull him forward and down.

Akua tried to get a belt hold.

This combination of actions  was good for Akua

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

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

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

Akua maintained a noticeable  weight advantage through the bout.

Akua used the rope in this phase. Shimizu slipped badly.

It was classed as a win by Hatukikomi  - slap down

Akua fought with moderate intensity. The same could be said for Shimizu

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

 

Bout No. 1

Daishiryu versus Nishimura

Now we see

Daishiryu.

He is ranked as

Makashita(13w)

Facing him is

Nishimura.

Nishimura

 is ranked as

Makashita(16w)

Nishimura is taller but Daishiryuis the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Nishimura

 may be his excellent

speed.

They position themselves for the tachiai…

Nokotta!

and bang!  They come together like trains!

Nishimura

starts best.

Nishimura

more or less stood up

whereas

Daishiryu

sprung up.

Nishimura

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

Daishiryu

who tried to evade.

They immediately come together once more…

Daishiryu

gains a strong outer arm grip on the mawashi.

Nishimura

is making the best of it but

he was trying to avoid this contact.

The rikishi mesh, each clasping for some sort of grip.

Daishiryu fails with the throw but is still in change.

Nishimura always had the worst hold.

They are both waiting for the other to tire.

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

Nishimura knew he needed a better position.

He is very close to going down!

This is turning into an epic bout. Sweat is oozing from both men!

Daishiryu inches him to the tawara in a series of short lifts and over!

A win by Yorikiri

Nishimura couldn't get the sort of hold he needed.

JASON'S REVIEW

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

Neither fighter gained a significant advantage from their tachiai height.

Daishiryu 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? Daishiryu definitely created more momentum.

Phase 2
After the tachiai the fighters were still apart.

Daishiryu got the better of this phase.

Daishiryu made progress by trying  to find the mawashi.

Nishimura attempted to pull him forward and down.

This combination of actions  was good for Daishiryu

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

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

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

Daishiryu maintained a negligible weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

Phase 3
At this point the fighters were locked together.

Daishiryu improved his position by attempting to throw him.

Daishiryu was partially successful in his attempt  to throw him.

Nishimura wanted  to make his opponent move.

This combination of actions  was good for Daishiryu

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

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

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

Daishiryu maintained a negligible weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

Phase 4
At this point the fighters were locked together.

Daishiryu was partially successful in his attempt  to throw him.

Daishiryu was partially successful in his attempt  to throw him.

Nishimura wanted  to lean on him.

This combination of actions  was good for Daishiryu

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

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

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

Daishiryu maintained a negligible weight advantage through the bout.

Neither rikishi  used the rope in this phase.

Phase 5
At this point the fighters were locked together.

Daishiryu won the bout when he was able to unbalance and throw him.

Daishiryu was clinical in managing to throw him down.

Nishimura wanted  to wait for an opening.

This combination of actions  was good for Daishiryu

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

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

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

Daishiryu maintained a negligible weight advantage through the bout.

Nishimura used the rope in this phase.

A win by Yorikiri  - frontal force out

Daishiryu fought with moderate intensity. The same could be said for Nishimura

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