GRAND SUMO: Day 3 of the January 2026 Tournament - GRAND SUMO Highlights

Grand Sumo Highlights - Day Three: Detailed Summary

Key Concepts:

• Yokozuna (横綱): Grand Champion, the highest rank in sumo.
• Ozeki (大関): Second-highest rank in sumo.
• Sekiwake (関脇) & Komusubi (小結): Third and fourth-highest ranks, respectively.
• Mawashi (廻し): The belt worn by sumo wrestlers.
• Yori-kiri (寄り切り): A winning technique involving forcing an opponent out of the ring by pushing.
• Oshidashi (押し出し): A winning technique involving pushing an opponent out of the ring.
• Dashinage (大師投げ): A throwing technique involving lifting and throwing an opponent.
• Kimarite (決まり手): Winning techniques, categorized and named.
• Monoi (物言い): A consultation among judges when a bout’s outcome is unclear.
• Shinitai (死体): "Dead body" rule – a win awarded when an opponent is clearly defeated but hasn't fully touched the ground.
• Kubinage (首投げ): A neck throw technique.
• Kim Boshi (金星): A win against a Yokozuna.

I. Introduction & Tournament Overview

The broadcast opens with Murray Johnson welcoming viewers to Day Three of the Hatsubasho (New Year Tournament). He highlights the strong start made by top-ranked wrestlers, including both Yokozuna (Horyu and Ono), the two Ozeki, and the Sekiwake and Komusubi, all currently undefeated. The atmosphere is described as lively, with a large crowd enjoying both the sumo and the food.

II. Early Bouts & Rookie Performances

• Hatsuyama vs. Oshoi: Hatsuyama, a rookie, remains winless after a loss to Oshoi (1-1). Oshoi secured his second win using a yori-kiri technique, leveraging an inside grip.
• Dudan (Mashida) vs. Asa Hakadoo: Asa Hakadoo, another rookie, achieves a perfect 3-0 record with a win over Dudan (1-2). Asa Hakadoo’s father was a successful wrestler in Mongolian wrestling, equivalent to a Sekiwake.
• Arsenalyama vs. Mitakumi: Arsenalyama (former Ozeki) defeated Mitakumi, marking his second win. This is Arsenalyama’s fourth consecutive win against Mitakumi, a streak beginning in March 2021. He utilized his preferred technique of securing a right-hand inside grip.

III. Notable Individual Bouts & Techniques

• Asakoru vs. Tommo Kaz: Asakoru secured his first win against Tommo Kaz (1-2) with a quick, decisive attack. Both wrestlers attended Nippon Sports Science University, four years apart.
• Tobiizu vs. Shishi: Shishi achieved his third straight win against Tobiizu (1-2) using oshidashi (pushing out). Shishi’s approach involved a series of slaps before executing the final thrust.
• Abi vs. Nishki Fuji: Abi defeated Nishki Fuji (1-2) with a dashinage (throwing technique). Abi’s constant movement and successful grab of the mashi (opponent’s belt) were key to his victory.
• Chio Sharma vs. Midori Fuji: Chio Sharma (2-1) defeated Midori Fuji (0-3) with a yori-kiri. Midori Fuji, a popular wrestler, suffered his third consecutive loss.
• Kotto vs. Roger: Kotto (1-2) and Roger (1-2) both remain at 1-2 after a yori-kiri win for Kotto.
• Goroyama vs. Toki Hayate: Goroyama secured his first win against Toki Hayate (1-2) with an oshidashi.
• Kim Bzan vs. Fujinoa: Fujinoa (2-1) defeated Kim Bzan (1-2) with a toshi (shoulder throw).
• Oshoma vs. Shai: Oshoma (3-0) continued his dominance over Shai (0-3) with a thrust out victory.

IV. Complex Bouts & Judge Reviews (Monoi)

Several bouts required a monoi (judge’s consultation) due to contested outcomes:

• Onatu vs. Chironomi: A lengthy struggle culminating in a yori-kiri win for Onatu (1-2) after a monoi confirmed his foot remained in the ring. The initial call was questioned, but the review upheld the decision.
• Kotokura vs. Wakamoto: Kotokura (3-0) defeated Wakamoto (0-3) after a monoi confirmed Wakamoto was thrown out of the ring first.
• Ura vs. Onoato: A highly contentious bout involving a leg grab attempt. The initial call favored Onoato, but a monoi led to a rematch due to Ura’s heel touching down simultaneously with Onoato’s exit. Onoato won the rematch decisively with an oshi taoshi.

V. Key Upsets & Yokozuna Performance

• Yoshino Fuji vs. Horyu: Yoshino Fuji (Mashida 1) achieved a significant upset, defeating Yokozuna Horyu (0-3) with a kim boshi (win against a Yokozuna). Yoshino Fuji secured a double inside grip and forced Horyu out, becoming the first top-ranked wrestler to lose. Horyu’s loss reduces the number of undefeated wrestlers to eight. Yoshino Fuji attributed his success to aggressive forward movement. “I won’t hesitate to keep moving forward and show my sumo.”

VI. Statistical Overview & Tournament Standings

After three days, eight wrestlers remain undefeated. The field has narrowed from the initial 13. The broadcast highlights the competitive nature of the tournament and the potential for further upsets.

VII. Technical Commentary & Wrestler Analysis

Throughout the broadcast, Murray Johnson provides insightful commentary on the wrestlers’ techniques, strategies, and rivalries. He emphasizes the importance of mashi grips, yotsumo (grappling), and footwork. He also notes the significance of past encounters and the psychological aspects of sumo.

Conclusion:

Day Three of the Hatsubasho was marked by several upsets, particularly Yoshino Fuji’s stunning victory over Yokozuna Horyu. The tournament remains highly competitive, with eight wrestlers still undefeated. The broadcast showcased a variety of techniques and highlighted the intense physical and mental demands of sumo wrestling. The frequent use of monoi underscores the precision and scrutiny involved in judging these bouts. The tournament promises to be an exciting one, with many more compelling matchups to come.