Fujinokawa can be named Mighty Mouse (for how strong he is to try and pick up much bigger dudes off the ground) or Tasmanian Devil. And speaking of nicknames, I am glad Throwshoryu is back showing off his unique skills.
I have to think Wakatakakage's old knee injury is giving him trouble. He's got it taped up, and he is just not fighting like himself. He even looks disgusted with himself after every defeat.
But man, I am loving Shodai! I don't recall ever seeing him against Kotozakura, Kirishima, Horshoryu or Onosato, but he's bound to meet some of them in the coming days. Keep the fire, Shodai! If Kotoshoho could do it, you can too!
I love seeing the yokozuna dominate, but it is special to get these 'maegashira surprises', too. Shodai and Takanosho both have the kind of size that always gives them a chance in any match.
Nothing seemed very easy for Wakatakakage in this basho. He might very well be hurt. Sad to see, I was really hoping for him to get ozeki (I know you were, too).
Hey Tim - since I’m relatively new to Sumo and this is my first full-watch basho, im kinda chilling and just enjoying the fights. Ura obviously gets the crowd going, both Yokozuna are box-office. Really felt for Wakatakakage not getting to 33. Im enjoying the story lines around the fighters too. Special mention to Oshoumi who I might be hanging my banner on
Vibes. I’ve been watching the later Juryo fights as they’re well timed for breakfast here in the UK. Every time I’ve been impressed with a fighter whether that be their mannerisms from the beginning (how they approach and observe the rituals) to their fighting style (I don’t know enough about these but I know what I like - aesthetically speaking) I guess he has ticked those boxes, while being young enough to potentially have a bright future
Funny how during the basho that my favorite wrestler (Hosh) is doing better than he's ever done is when I officially decide that Fujinokawa is my new favorite!
Fujinokawa can be named Mighty Mouse (for how strong he is to try and pick up much bigger dudes off the ground) or Tasmanian Devil. And speaking of nicknames, I am glad Throwshoryu is back showing off his unique skills.
Throwshoryu!! I love it!
He is certainly mighty. Love 'Throwshoryu".
I have to think Wakatakakage's old knee injury is giving him trouble. He's got it taped up, and he is just not fighting like himself. He even looks disgusted with himself after every defeat.
But man, I am loving Shodai! I don't recall ever seeing him against Kotozakura, Kirishima, Horshoryu or Onosato, but he's bound to meet some of them in the coming days. Keep the fire, Shodai! If Kotoshoho could do it, you can too!
I love seeing the yokozuna dominate, but it is special to get these 'maegashira surprises', too. Shodai and Takanosho both have the kind of size that always gives them a chance in any match.
Nothing seemed very easy for Wakatakakage in this basho. He might very well be hurt. Sad to see, I was really hoping for him to get ozeki (I know you were, too).
Made my first comment after watching the 12:30PM highlights show on NHK, now watching the 7:30PM repeat and having new thoughts.
Is it just me, or is Shishi improving? That throw of his was not bad! I still think he needs to bulk up, though. Too flabby.
Ura is always dramatic going out of the ring. Can't decide if he's acting or thinking ahead to plan his landing instead of crashing.
Kusano really looks like Onosato-lite. Have they ever met in the ring? Want to see that!
What is going on with Atamifuji? He is really having a bad month!
I saw someone suggest once that Ura flips over constantly to save impact on his knees.
Great write up - I’m really enjoying this basho. Fujinokawa truly is must-watch. Kid is electric
Hi Ryan, welcome in! Thanks for the feedback. Any faves this tournament (other than Fujinokawa)?
Hey Tim - since I’m relatively new to Sumo and this is my first full-watch basho, im kinda chilling and just enjoying the fights. Ura obviously gets the crowd going, both Yokozuna are box-office. Really felt for Wakatakakage not getting to 33. Im enjoying the story lines around the fighters too. Special mention to Oshoumi who I might be hanging my banner on
Oh awesome, glad you're enjoying your first basho! What is it about Oshoumi that you like?
Vibes. I’ve been watching the later Juryo fights as they’re well timed for breakfast here in the UK. Every time I’ve been impressed with a fighter whether that be their mannerisms from the beginning (how they approach and observe the rituals) to their fighting style (I don’t know enough about these but I know what I like - aesthetically speaking) I guess he has ticked those boxes, while being young enough to potentially have a bright future
That's great. Oshoumi will be getting promoted off this performance, so you'll get to see how he hangs against the top division in November.
Kotozakura looked positively spry in there with Wakamotoharu. So much defensive talent in a body that always seems to be on the cusp of betraying him.
It's great to see. I love it when it goes up onto one foot as someone crashes down past him. He reminds me of the hippo ballerinas in Fantasia.
So gentle too. He rarely just mashes anyone out of the ring, though he’s perfectly capable of doing so
Fujinokawa 'The JUST BLEED Rikishi'
Funny how during the basho that my favorite wrestler (Hosh) is doing better than he's ever done is when I officially decide that Fujinokawa is my new favorite!
He definitely embodies the JUST BLEED mentality. It's either your reverse jinx of his lucky 'stache that has him on pace for the yusho.