GRAND SUMO: Day 7 of the January 2026 Tournament - GRAND SUMO Highlights

Grand Sumo January Tournament - Day Seven Highlights

Key Concepts:

• Yusho: Championship tournament win.
• Oziki: Highest rank in Sumo wrestling.
• Makunouchi: Top division of Sumo wrestling.
• Kachkoshi: Winning record (more wins than losses) in a tournament.
• Makushita: Second highest division of Sumo wrestling.
• Yorikiri: A winning technique involving a frontal push-out.
• Oshidashi: A winning technique involving pushing an opponent out of the ring.
• Hataki-komi: A winning technique involving a slap-down.
• Kimarite: A specific winning technique.
• Tawara: Straw bales forming the ring surface.
• Doyo: Sumo ring.
• Mawashi: The belt worn by Sumo wrestlers.
• Doai: A rare situation where both wrestlers touch the ground simultaneously, requiring a rematch.

I. Tournament Overview & Leading Wrestlers

Day seven of the January tournament at the Ryoko Kukan in Tokyo saw Magash 12, Abi, as the sole remaining wrestler with an unblemished record. Abi, aiming for his first Yusho since November 2022, faced Asanoyama. New Oziki Aishki, along with six other wrestlers, were close behind, posing a challenge to Abi’s lead. The arena was a full house, indicating strong public interest in the tournament.

II. Notable Bouts & Results

• Duden vs. Hatsuyama: Veteran Duden secured a win against rookie Hatsuyama, improving to three wins and four losses. Hatsuyama suffered his seventh consecutive loss in his Makunouchi debut, losing by Yodikiri (frontal force out).
• Oshoi vs. Tommoaz: Oshoi continued his impressive form with a victory over Tommoaz, extending his winning streak to four bouts and achieving a record of six wins and one loss.
• Tobizaru vs. Asakoru: Asakoru defeated Tobizaru, moving to three wins and four losses. The bout saw Asakoru utilize a pulling maneuver to push Tobizaru out.
• Asanoyama vs. Abi: In a highly anticipated match, Asanoyama defeated Abi, handing him his first loss of the tournament. Asanoyama employed a Kyotoshi hand pull down technique, ending Abi’s six-day spotless record – a feat he hadn’t achieved in four years. Asanoyama’s victory brought his record to five wins and two losses. “Asanama sticks to him, stays right in front of Abby and then hits that Kyotoshi hand pull down technique. Good timing.” – Commentator.
• Midori Fuji vs. Asahakuryu: Asahakuryu defeated Midori Fuji in a lengthy bout lasting approximately 2.5 minutes. Asahakuryu’s victory brought his record to five wins and two losses, while Midori Fuji suffered a loss despite demonstrating good balance and hip movement. “Midori Fuji runs out of gas and Asahakuryu moves up to five wins, two losses.” – Commentator.
• Shishi vs. Shioshoma: Shishi defeated Shioshoma by Yodikiri, achieving his fifth victory. Shishi capitalized on securing a right-hand inside grip.
• Toki Hayate vs. Mitakumi: Toki Hayate defeated Mitakumi by Yorikiri, improving to four wins and three losses.
• Nishki Fuji vs. Roga: Nishki Fuji defeated Roga, securing his first win against him in over a year (since November 2024), bringing his record to four wins and three losses.
• Koto Sho vs. Kimbozan: Kotto Sho defeated Kimbozan using a Nag (underarm throw), advancing to five wins and two losses.
• OA vs. Gyama: Gyama defeated OA by Oshidashi, securing his second win and improving to two wins and five losses.
• Hiadomi vs. Shai: Hiadomi defeated Shai by Yorikiri, achieving his fourth victory.
• Fujinoa vs. Chiranomi: Chiranomi defeated Fujinoa, who was on a five-win streak, by Okuridashi (a technique involving pushing an opponent out while maintaining contact). Chiranomi’s record improved to four wins and three losses.
• Atami Fuji vs. Katu: Atami Fuji defeated Katu by Oshidashi, securing his fifth win.
• Takanosho vs. Tamawashi: Takanosho broke his six-bout losing streak by defeating Tamawashi, known as "Iron Man," by a frontal push-out.
• Ura vs. Ichyamaamoto: Uda defeated Ichyamaamoto by Oshidashi, securing his first victory of 2026 and ending his six-bout losing streak.
• Takayasu vs. Oho: Takayasu dominated Oho, achieving his fifth win and two losses.
• Kirishima vs. Yoshino Fuji: Kirishima defeated Yoshino Fuji, protecting his one-loss record and achieving his 300th top division victory.
• Wakamoto vs. Aishki: Aishki, the new Oziki, defeated Wakamoto, securing his sixth win.
• Kotozakura vs. Wakatak: Kotozakura defeated Wakatak by Hatakcomi (slap down), achieving his fifth victory.
• Dao vs. Onosato: Onosato defeated Dao by Hatakcomi, securing his sixth win.
• Hosu vs. Hakun Fuji: The bout between Yokozuna Hosu and Hakun Fuji ended in a Doai (simultaneous touch down), leading to a rematch. Hosu ultimately won the rematch by Yori, maintaining his one-loss record.

III. Technical Aspects & Strategies

The commentary highlighted several key techniques:

• Yorikiri: Frequently used for quick wins, relying on frontal force.
• Oshidashi: A powerful pushing technique to drive opponents out of the ring.
• Hataki-komi: A slap-down technique requiring precise timing.
• Nag: An underarm throw, demonstrating technical skill.
• Migiu: A grip position involving a right hand inside and left hand outside.
• Tati: Initial charge or attack.

Wrestlers were observed employing strategies like securing inside hand positions, maintaining balance, and utilizing hip movement to gain an advantage. The importance of stamina and perseverance was evident in the longer bouts.

IV. Data & Statistics

• Abi’s six-day spotless record was his longest in four years.
• Asahakuryu achieved five wins and two losses.
• Takayasu holds a 7-1 advantage over Oho in their series.
• Onosato boasts a 7-1 advantage over Dao in their series.
• Kirishima achieved his 300th top division victory.
• Several wrestlers broke losing streaks, including Takanosho and Uda.

V. Conclusion

Day seven of the January tournament saw a shake-up in the rankings with Abi suffering his first loss. Aishki remains a strong contender, and several other wrestlers are within striking distance of the championship. The tournament continues to showcase the skill, strength, and strategic depth of Sumo wrestling, with a mix of veteran experience and promising rookie performances. The broadcast will continue on Sunday the 18th.