GRAND SUMO: Day 4 of the May 2026 Tournament - GRAND SUMO Highlights

Key Concepts

• Rikishi: Professional sumo wrestlers.
• Makunouchi: The top division of professional sumo.
• Tachi-ai: The initial charge at the start of a sumo bout.
• Kachi-koshi: A winning record in a tournament (8 wins out of 15 bouts).
• Make-koshi: A losing record in a tournament.
• Yotsu-sumo: A style of sumo focusing on grappling and holding the opponent's mawashi (belt).
• Oshi-zumo: A style of sumo focusing on pushing and thrusting.
• Kimarite: The winning technique used to end a bout.

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Tournament Overview: Day 4 (May Tournament)

The May tournament in Tokyo at the Kokugikan is four days in. The field is currently led by three undefeated rikishi: Waka Taka Kage, Kirishima, and Kotojo. Notable injury news includes the withdrawal of Takayasu due to a right thigh injury, granting his opponent, Oho, a fusensho (default win).

Match Highlights and Technical Analysis

1. Pushing and Thrusting Bouts

• Fuji vs. Tobizaru: Fuji utilized his superior size and strength to execute an oshidashi (frontal push-out) against Tobizaru, handing him his first defeat.
• Abby vs. Asanoyama: Both 32-year-old veterans, Abby used his powerful thrusting attack to force Asanoyama out (oshidashi).
• Oho vs. Nishiki Fuji: Despite a strong start by Nishiki Fuji, Oho rallied to win via oshidashi.
• Wakamoto Haru vs. Churanoumi: In an intense oshi-zumo battle, Churanoumi used better balance and hazoshi (pushing with hands on the opponent's armpits) to force Wakamoto Haru out.

2. Grappling and Throwing Techniques

• Roga vs. Oomi: Roga demonstrated dynamic throwing ability, using a left-hand inside grip to execute a beautiful shitatenage (underarm throw) to move to 3-1.
• Uda vs. Shishi: Uda showcased agility by reading Shishi’s thrusts, getting under his arms, and winning with a shitatenage.
• Kotojo vs. Kimbozan: Despite being smaller, Kotojo recovered from a precarious position at the edge of the ring to execute a shitatenage against the larger Kimbozan, becoming the first to reach 4-0.
• Chiyoshoma vs. Shodai: After failing to move Shodai at the tachi-ai, Chiyoshoma stepped back and executed a katasukashi (under-shoulder swing-down) as Shodai lost his balance.

3. Resilience and Comebacks

• Hakuoho vs. Asahakuryu: Hakuoho overcame significant pain while having his elbows squeezed by Asahakuryu. By securing a right-hand inside grip, he generated enough strength to force a yorikiri (force-out) win.
• Kirishima vs. Ichiyamamoto: Kirishima, a tournament favorite, remained undefeated (4-0) by countering Ichiyamamoto’s aggressive charge with a hatakikomi (slap-down).

Notable Results and Standings

• Undefeated (4-0): Waka Taka Kage, Kirishima, and Kotojo.
• Struggling: Tamawashi (0-4) is currently winless and facing potential demotion to the Juryo division due to a heavily taped right calf.
• Personal Bests: Several rikishi in the Maegashira ranks, including Fuji Seun and Asakoryu, are noted for setting personal bests in rank this tournament.

Synthesis and Conclusion

Day 4 of the May tournament highlights a wide-open race for the championship. The undefeated leaders—Waka Taka Kage, Kirishima, and Kotojo—are demonstrating diverse skill sets, ranging from technical grappling to powerful pushing. The tournament is characterized by high-intensity tachi-ai and a mix of veteran experience and rising talent. The withdrawal of top-tier names like Takayasu has increased the pressure on the remaining rikishi to maintain consistency, with the "Mr. Excitement" style of wrestlers like Fuji no Kawa continuing to provide high-energy performances despite physical size disadvantages.