Another sumo anecdote..
Moti Dichne
When you hit a wall, when you're feeling indecisive and frustrated, there's nothing more appreciated than a gentle, or even a firm, push in the back and a kick in the butt. Sumo wrestlers don't always have smooth sailing and things don't always go the way they want them to. They do have their ups and downs. Everyone has had the experience of feeling anxious and worried when nothing they do goes right, only to be inspired by a heartwarming word of encouragement from those around them, and starting on a new path. We'll introduce you to some of those dramatic encouragements.
Confidence isn't always "sprayed" on you by others. Sometimes, you "spray" it on yourself. The greatest Yokozuna of the Heisei era was Takanohana, a 22-time yusho winner. His godlike performance and strength had sumo fans of the time excited and going wild. Japan was in a frenzy, but it wasn't all good times. At 20 years and 5 months old, he became the youngest ever Ozeki, and in his fifth basho in Kyushu 1993, he had a 7-8 makekoshi. Prior to this tournament, Takanohana (then Takahanada) developed a severe cold, causing liver dysfunction and limiting his ability to properly train. Even the youngest and most talented Ozeki struggle to win if their balance of mind, technique, and body is severely disrupted. He started losing in the first half of the tournament, and when the press wondered, "Why?" he answered, with his head bowed. "I'm still trying my hardest. If you ask me why I can't win, I have no idea what to say." Then, on the final day of the tournament, with a record of 7 wins and 7 losses, Takanohana was pushed out by Yokozuna Akebono's powerful thrusts and choking force. Then, with a perfectly timed slap, he slammed his hands into the ground, sealing his bitter makekoshi. As he walked back, shoulders slumped, Takanohana muttered helplessly, "It can't be helped." When the press surrounded him and asked, "Will you start afresh on the jungyo (after the tournament)?" he raised his head and answered firmly, "No, it starts today." The sooner you start again, the better. It was a pep talk for himself. True to these words, Takanohana immediately gave up his post-basho rest day and immersed himself in training, seemingly to ease the frustration of his makekoshi. Just how powerful and effective Takanohana's pep talk was is clear. The following tournament, he seemed like a completely different person, winning 13 consecutive matches from the first day to secure his fourth yusho and creating a new legend.