The world of sumo wrestling continues to capture the hearts of fans as the January Basho, held at the iconic Ryogoku Kokugikan, nears its pivotal end. With fierce competition heating up among the wrestlers, the tournament sees high-stakes matches, particularly among the Juryo division leaders. The spotlight recently shone on Ukrainian-born wrestler Shiji (Raijin) as he made headlines not just for his performance but also for the valuable advice he received from one of sumo's most revered figures, former Yokozuna Ashoryu.
On the eleventh day of the tournament, Shiji faced off against Wakazakura in what has been described as a thriller. Both fighters entered the match boasting one loss each, adding extra intensity to their duel. The bout escalated when Wakazakura managed to push Shiji to the edge of the ring, attempting to deliver some aggressive thrusts. Yet, Shiji countered, returning fire with his own thrusts before eventually securing the win with sheer brute force, pushing Wakazakura out after both wrestlers engaged tightly. Fans went wild, noting the impressive display of endurance and skill from both wrestlers.
What really grabbed the attention was Ashoryu's critique of Shiji's style of wrestling, which he delivered on his social media platform. The former champion, who boasts 25 victories within the Makuuchi division during his career, took it upon himself to share his insights, posting: 'It’s not power. Your sumo is too dangerous. You might get injured. You need to lower your waist more and grab the mawashi. And since you’re durable, focus more on throwing down your opponent.' His comments reflect significant wisdom, born from years at the top, as he urged Shiji to adopt more traditional techniques, hinting at concerns over his current approach leading to potential injury.
With certain attributes like height and weight—standing at 193 cm and weighing 170 kg—Shiji has ample physical advantages. Still, Ashoryu expressed concern via his tweet stating, 'I hope you do well, Ukraine.' His words are regarded highly among fans, with many comments flying on social media supporting Ashoryu's insights. One fan remarked, 'This is sage advice.' Another commented, 'Shiji is lucky to receive tips from such a legendary Yokozuna; other wrestlers might envy him.' Fans echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of receiving guidance from someone with Ashoryu's credentials.
The official Twitter account of Rayudo-beya (Shiji's stable) acknowledged Ashoryu's commentary, responding, 'Thank you very much. We will pass on the message.' This act of appreciation highlights the respect and weight Ashoryu's comments carry within the wrestling community.
When the twelfth day approached, Shiji faced off against Aoyasunaki, another heavily contended opponent, marking yet another “Ukrainian showdown.” Shiji managed to maintain his position at the top of the leaderboard, skillfully executing his tactics to earn another victory. His continued success indicates not just his physical prowess but also his potential adaptability to the strategies mentioned by Ashoryu.
Sumo wrestling enthusiasts are keeping their fingers crossed as the tournament continues. Each match seems to produce exhilarating outcomes, and the insights shared by legendary wrestlers like Ashoryu only heighten anticipation for the bouts yet to come. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, many are eager to see how Shiji will adapt his style as the tournament progresses and if he can maintain his leading position through to the championship's conclusion.
Overall, the January Basho showcases not only the physical battles within the ring but also the mentorship and wisdom passed through generations of sumo wrestlers. The legacy left by former champions continues to influence the next wave of competitors, ensuring the future of sumo remains as thrilling and dynamic as ever.