Grand Sumo 2025 May Tournament Day7

Yesterday, I wrote: "Despite suffering his third straight loss, Takerufuji remains a dangerous opponent—someone that Onosato must not underestimate in tomorrow’s bout." And indeed, Takerufuji proved to be a formidable threat.

Takerufuj's tachi-ai (initial charge) was sharp, with excellent angle and precision. At the moment of impact, Onosato had not taken a single step forward—his feet were square and stationary—whereas Takerufuji had already planted his second step immediately after the clash. Had he closed the distance more tightly, or employed a left hazu-oshi (a pushing-up motion under the armpit), he might have seized the advantage. On the other hand, Onosato responded swiftly despite losing the tachi-ai. Notably, even when Takerufuji gained hidari-zashi (left arm inside position), Onosato did not panic as he might have in previous tournaments.

Japanese version of this article here. https://kimitoshikoyanagi.blogspot.com/2025/05/77.html

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