Harumafuji Yokozuna Promotion

I have been reading in some forums about Harumufaji's possible Yokozuna promotion if he wins the September basho. People are saying that he's not Yokozuna material because of his inconsistency in the first half of the tournament. In essence losing the bouts he should win and winning the bouts he should have a harder time winning.
Lets look at the stats. Since becoming Ozeki he has never won more than 10 bouts except for his Yusho (championship victory) tournaments. But in 15 basho as Ozeki he has posted a 138-76 record.

Lets compare Harumafuji to the other Ozeki.

Baruto last six tournaments as Ozeki has won 58 and lost 32

Kotooshu last six tournaments as Ozeki has won 50 and lost 36 and sat out 4

Harumafuji's last six tournaments as Ozeki has won 50 and lost 29 and sat out 11

Now in my opinion Baruto has had the most success in the last 6 picking up two 11 win tournaments. But I still think Baruto is a ways off from Yokozuna as is Kotooshu.

Harumafuji has a 11-9 record against Baruto and is even with Kotooshu at 15-15. Against Kaio he was 16-12.

To wrap it up I think Harumafuji will have to work hard for Yokozuna. I think fans will have to judge for themselves. It's not cut and dry. All the Ozeki are pretty evenly matched. But I think he has the desire. He's one of the most exciting wrestlers I've ever watched and his ability to win is there. Go Harumafji!

Fujiazuma is my Daughter's Favorite

My daughter Emmelynn (8 months) was sitting in my lap while I was looking through the wrestlers profiles on the goo.sumo website. I was clicking on some of the new wrestlers to get familiar with them. I had clicked on a few with no reaction from Emmelynn. She just sat there staring at the screen. Then I clicked on Fujiazuma. She clinched her fists, stuck her arms out and went AAAHHHH!!! with a huge smile on her face and then started to squeal like she does when she is happy. So we decided she liked Fujiazuma. I will be covering his career on here for her.

Born in Tokyo on April 19th 1986 made his Sumo debut in 2003. In January of 2011 he made his debut at the Juryo level posting an 8-7 record in his first Basho and 9-6 in his second. In July he appeared at the Makuuchi level at the rank of Maegashira #15 and compiled 10 wins and 5 losses.

Juryo Champion Myogiryu

Juryo 12 Myogiryu has been wrestling in Sumo since May of 2009. Since then he has posted a career record of 55-19.



I believe he will make the Makuuchi ranks very soon. I am impressed by his records in each tournament and for him to win his second ever tournament in Juryo is also impressive.
Here is his record from each tournament. The word Yusho stands for Championship Victory.


Miyamoto Yasunari
2009.05 Ms15TD 5-2
2009.07 Ms7w 5-2
2009.09 Ms2w 5-2
2009.11 Ms1w 5-2
Myogiryu Yasunari
2010.01 J14e 1-2-12
2010.03 Ms14e 0-0-7
2010.05 Ms54w 0-0-7
2010.07 Sd34w 0-0-7
2010.09 Sd94w 7-0 D
2010.11 Ms58e 6-1 Y Yusho
2011.01 Ms26w 6-1
2011.05 Ms8e 4-3
2011.07 J12w 11-4 Y Yusho (1st)

Makuuchi Newcomer Takayasu

Takayasu is a newcomer to the top division who has a chance to go far in Sumo. In his first tournament (July) he posted a 9-6 record with notable wins against Shotenro and veteran Takamisakari.

Born on February 28th 1990 he made his debut in 2005 and his Juryo debut in November of 2010. After three tournaments in Juryo, this July was his first tournament in the Makuuchi division. He started out with a loss and then went on a 7 bout winning streak before losing the next 5 out of 7.

His career record is 169 wins and 122 losses with a 9-6 Makuuchi record. He also has 1 Makushita Championship under his belt. His favorite techniques are Tsuki (push with elbows locked) and Oshi (push down with elbows bent).

I look forward to watching him the rest of the year.

Wrestlers of the Month: Ozeki Kaio

The wrestler of the month is Ozeki Kaio.

Kaio began his long career in 1988 and moved up to the top division in 1993 finishing 4-11. After two more tournaments in the Juryo division he came back to the Top in November finishing 10-5. His first tournament championship came in 2000 when he won the May tournament as an Komusubi, posting a 14-1 record. After promotion to Ozeki two tournaments later he went on to win 4 more championships and posting a career record of 1,047 wins and 700 losses. He retired after this months tournament only winning 3. He withdrew after day 11. He holds the record for most wins passing Chiyonofuji.
Kaio will remain in sumo as a coach and will be named Asakayama.

Harumufuji Takes July Championship

Ozeki Harumufuji silenced critics in what I believe to be his finest tournament of his career. I was proud of him. After suffering from some ankle problems he has come back, trained hard and has put himself in a position to really challenge the Yokozuna Hakuho. His style is well suited for his size and he can thrust and grapple with the best of them. But one thing I think he is under estimated for is his ability to throw. His quick belt throws and underarm throws are some of the best I have seen. I believe he can get to Yokozuna.

I am anxious for the next tournament. Go Harumufuji!