GRAND SUMO: Day 7 of the November 2025 Tournament - GRAND SUMO Highlights

Key Concepts

• Rikishi: Sumo wrestler.
• Yokozuna: Grand Champion, the highest rank in sumo.
• Ozeki: Champion, the second highest rank.
• Maegashira (M): Ranks below Ozeki and Sanyaku.
• Juryo: The second division of professional sumo.
• Makuchi: The top division of professional sumo.
• Basho: Sumo tournament.
• Yorikiri: Force out.
• Oshidashi: Frontal push out.
• Waki-nage: Arm throw.
• Ura-nage: Body throw.
• Hineri: Twist down.
• Kotai-nage: Armlock throw.
• Morozuki: Double arm extension.
• Inashi: Sideways slap down.
• Nakabi: Mid-point of a tournament.
• Kushū Basho: Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.
• Syaku: A promotion to a higher rank.

Day Seven Makuchi Action Highlights

This summary details the key bouts and outcomes from Day Seven of the November Grand Sumo Tournament, held at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

Notable Performances and Standings

Yokozuna Terunofuji's Dominance: Yokozuna Terunofuji continues his flawless performance, maintaining a perfect record. He is aiming for his fourth championship of the year and must remain focused for the remainder of the tournament.

Rising Stars and Comebacks:

• Asanoyama: The former Ozeki, returning to Makuchi after a knee injury, secured his fifth consecutive win, moving to 5-2. His strong performance suggests a potential return to the Makuuchi division in the January tournament.
• Fujino Kawa: Despite a loss on the previous day, Fujino Kawa rebounded with an emphatic win, improving his record to 6-1. His aggressive style and fighting spirit were highlighted as key to his success.
• Onishiki: With a strong performance, Onishiki improved to 6-1, demonstrating resilience after a previous setback. His ability to escape difficult situations and maintain pressure was noted.
• Yoshino Fuji: Continuing his impressive streak, Yoshino Fuji secured his fifth consecutive win, reaching a 6-1 record. His powerful offense and ability to gain inside positions were crucial.

Veteran Battles and Surprises:

• Sadonomi vs. Duden: In a battle between veterans, 38-year-old Sadonomi snapped a four-bout losing streak with a win against the 35-year-old Duden, improving to 2-5. Sadonomi's quick gain of an inside position was the decisive factor.
• Kimbozan vs. Atami Fuji: Kimbozan secured his second win of the tournament by defeating the previously strong Atami Fuji (5-1) with a well-executed Waki-nage (overarm throw). This marked Atami Fuji's second defeat.
• Shai vs. Ichiyamamoto: Fan favorite Shai, coming from Kumamoto, defeated Ichiyamamoto, who had a perfect record against him. Shai's aggressive approach secured his third win of the tournament.
• Hoshu vs. Tamawashi: In a highlight match, Hoshu secured a crucial win against veteran Tamawashi, improving to 5-2. Hoshu's ability to gain a decisive inside position after a separation was key.

Struggling Wrestlers:

• Nishiki Fuji: While holding his own, Nishiki Fuji secured a win against Asakuru, bringing his record to 5-2.
• Chosho Mitake: Mitake improved to 4-3 with a win, showing momentum after back-to-back victories.
• Osho Umi: The Makuchi rookie Osho Umi suffered his sixth consecutive loss, falling to 1-6. His consistency needs improvement to remain in the top division.
• Shishi: Shishi secured his first win in five days, improving to 2-5.
• Gonoyama: Gonoyama secured a win against Cotto Sho, improving to 4-3 with his unique style of sumo.
• Takanosho: Takanosho, a returnee to the Komasubi position, struggled at 1-5 but secured a win.
• Wakamoto Haru: Wakamoto Haru secured his third consecutive win, defeating Koto Zakura (2-5).

Key Match Details and Techniques

• Nishiki Fuji vs. Asakuru: Nishiki Fuji secured a win with a strong grip after Asakuru attempted a sideway move and then circled away.
• Asanoyama vs. Toki Hayate: Asanoyama maintained forward pressure and dispatched Toki Hayate after a strong charge and initial grip by Toki Hayate.
• Duden vs. Sadonomi: Sadonomi gained a double inside grip and secured the win.
• Osho Umi vs. Roga: Roga executed his go-to technique, the Waki-nage (overarm throw), to defeat Osho Umi.
• Shishi vs. Shaomi: Shishi secured a Yorikiri (force out) victory after Shaomi attempted an arm throw.
• Gonoyama vs. Cotto Sho: Gonoyama executed an Oshidashi (front push out) victory after improving his position.
• Daiso vs. Tommoaz: Daiso used a Morozuki (double arm extension) to defeat Tommoaz.
• Fujino Kawa vs. Toby Zaru: Fujino Kawa secured an emphatic win with an inside grip and aggressive push.
• Chirannomi vs. Abi: Chirannomi defeated Abi by pushing him out from the rear (Okurashi).
• Midori Fuji vs. Honkatu: Honkatu overpowered the smaller Midori Fuji with a frontal crush out (Yorita Oshi).
• Atami Fuji vs. Kimbozan: Kimbozan executed a Waki-nage (overarm throw) to defeat Atami Fuji.
• Ichiyamamoto vs. Shai: Shai attacked aggressively and ran Ichiyamamoto out of the ring.
• Hiroi vs. Yoshino Fuji: Yoshino Fuji gained a double inside grip and used his offense to win.
• Hakuoho vs. Osho: Hakuoho executed a picture-perfect sumo with a strong initial charge and follow-through, defeating Osho.
• Waka Takagi vs. Takanosho: Waka Takagi used a Inashi (sideways slap down) from the left to disrupt Takanosho's balance and win.
• Kirishima vs. Oho: Kirishima gained an inside position and secured a strong Oshidashi (front push out) victory.
• Onishiki vs. Takayasu: Onishiki escaped Takayasu's attacks, gained a deep inside position, and forced Takayasu out for a Yorikiri victory.
• Wakamoto Haru vs. Koto Zakura: Wakamoto Haru countered with a Hineri (twist down) at the edge to defeat Koto Zakura.
• Hoshu vs. Tamawashi: Hoshu gained a low inside position after a separation and forced Tamawashi out.
• Terunofuji vs. Ura: Terunofuji maintained pressure, gained a right-handed grip, and executed a Hineri (twist down) to defeat Ura.

Tournament Standings Update

After Day Seven, the standings show:

• First Place: Terunofuji (undefeated)
• Trading Places: Onishiki, Yoshino Fuji, and Fujino Kawa are among those with one loss.

Conclusion

Day Seven of the November tournament showcased continued dominance from Yokozuna Terunofuji, strong performances from rising stars like Asanoyama and Fujino Kawa, and exciting battles between veterans. The competition remains intense as the tournament approaches its halfway point.