GRAND SUMO: Day 9 of the January 2026 Tournament - GRAND SUMO Highlights

Grand Sumo Highlights: Day Nine - Detailed Summary

Key Concepts:

• Yokozuna: The highest rank in professional sumo wrestling.
• Ozeki: The second-highest rank in professional sumo wrestling.
• Makushita: The third division in sumo wrestling, considered a crucial stepping stone to the top divisions.
• Kachikoshi: Achieving a winning record (more wins than losses) in a tournament.
• Makoshi: A losing record (more losses than wins) in a tournament.
• Kimarashi: A winning record after a certain number of days in a tournament, often used as a benchmark for promotion.
• Mawashi: The belt worn by sumo wrestlers during matches.
• Kimoshi: A gold star awarded for defeating a Yokozuna.
• Oshi-dashi: A winning technique involving pushing the opponent straight out of the ring.
• Yori-kiri: A winning technique involving forcing the opponent out by grabbing their mawashi and pulling.
• Tsuki-otoshi: A winning technique involving a chest thrust to topple the opponent.
• Saka-totari: A winning technique involving a backward throw.
• Kirika: A twisting backward knee trip.
• Nawa-te: A throat-grabbing technique.
• Tsukioshi: A hip-out throw.

I. Tournament Overview & Leading Wrestlers

Day nine of the New Year’s tournament has been characterized by upsets, with all top-ranked wrestlers (Yokozuna and Ozeki) suffering losses yesterday. Yokozuna Onosato is particularly concerning, leaving the dojo favoring his left arm/shoulder and appearing far from peak form. Kirishima and Abby were co-leaders after eight days with eight wins each, followed by eight wrestlers just one win behind. The tournament is a 15-day event, and the second week promises continued volatility.

II. Notable Bouts & Results

A. Oshoi vs. Asakoru: Oshoi secured a convincing victory with a double inside grip, improving to 7-2 and nearing a kachikoshi (winning record). The commentator highlighted Oshoi’s quick dispatch of Asakoru after gaining an advantageous position.

B. Shishi vs. Duden: Shishi, a wrestler from Ukraine, continued his momentum with a fourth consecutive win, reaching 7-2. He defeated Duden with a low charge and aggressive style, though Duden appeared to sustain an injury during the match, getting up gingerly.

C. Hatsuyama vs. Tommo Kaz: Hatsuyama, a rookie in the Makushita division, achieved his first win in the top division after a controversial decision by the goji (judges). The initial call was for Tommo Kaz, but a review confirmed Tommo Kaz stepped out of the ring first, simultaneously with Hatsuyama’s body going down.

D. Toby vs. Sanoyama: Sanoyama, a returning wrestler, secured a yori-kiri victory over Toby, improving to 6-3. The commentator emphasized Sanoyama’s strong performance and ability to gain inside position.

E. Asahakuru vs. Nishiki Fuji: Nishiki Fuji won convincingly with a strong charge and dominant inside position, improving to 6-3. He has now won three straight matches.

F. Chio vs. Mitake Umi: Mitake Umi secured a hataki komi (downward slap) victory over Chio, ending Chio’s undefeated streak against him. Mitake Umi now stands at 4-5.

G. Abby vs. Koto Sho: Koto Sho defeated co-leader Abby, handing him his second loss. Abby’s game plan of face slaps and shifting to the left was effectively countered by Koto Sho’s footwork and stability. Koto Sho now has six wins.

H. Toki Hayate vs. Midori Fuji: Toki Hayate achieved a comeback win against Midori Fuji, utilizing a nag (arm thrust) to counter Midori Fuji’s double inside move. Toki Hayate is now at 5-4.

I. Fujinokawa vs. Loa: Fujinokawa, a fan favorite, won with a side-step technique, improving to 7-2. He has a 2-0 record against Loa.

J. Gonoyama vs. Ono Katu: Gonoyama won with an oshi-dashi (push-out) victory, improving to 3-6. Ono Katu is also at 3-6.

K. Hiadi vs. Kim Bzan: Hiadi won with a strong grip and charge, improving to 6-3.

L. Chiranomi vs. Shai: Chiranomi won with a pulling overarm throw, improving to 6-3 and securing four consecutive wins.

M. Tamawashi vs. Oshima: Tamawashi, a 41-year-old veteran, achieved an amazing come-from-behind victory against Oshima, winning for the first time in five days. The commentator highlighted Tamawashi’s “never say die” attitude.

N. Disho vs. Hakun Fuji: Disho defeated Hakun Fuji with a relentless thrusting attack.

O. Yoshino Fuji vs. Takanosho: Yoshino Fuji won with a tsuki-toshi (thrust down) at the edge of the ring, despite Takanosho initially having the advantage.

P. Oh vs. Ichiyamoto: Oh won with a slap-down technique, improving to 4-5 and handing Ichiyamoto his fifth straight loss, resulting in a makoshi (losing record).

Q. Kirishima vs. UA: Kirishima secured a kachikoshi (winning record) with a saka-totari (backward throw counter), becoming the sole leader with eight wins and one loss.

R. Aishki vs. Wakataka Kag: Aishki won with a kirika (twisting backward knee trip), improving to 7-2.

S. Koto Zakura vs. Takayasu: Koto Zakura won with a tsukioshi (hip-out throw), rebounding from a loss the previous day.

T. Wakamoto Haru vs. Onosato: Wakamoto Haru defeated Yokozuna Onosato, who is struggling with a left shoulder injury, handing him a second consecutive loss.

U. Hosyu vs. Atami Fuji: Atami Fuji defeated Hosyu, securing his first kimoshi (gold star) for defeating a Yokozuna.

III. Final Bout & Tournament Standings

The final bout of the day featured Hosyu versus Atami Fuji, with Atami Fuji emerging victorious. Kirishima is now the sole leader with eight wins and one loss. Six wrestlers are trailing at 7-2.

IV. Conclusion

Day nine of the New Year’s tournament was marked by upsets and compelling performances. Kirishima’s strong showing positions him as a frontrunner, but the close standings indicate a highly competitive second week. The injury concerns surrounding Yokozuna Onosato add another layer of intrigue to the tournament’s unfolding narrative. The commentator anticipates further surprises and excitement in the remaining six days.