Houshouryuu trains
Moti Dichne
Yokozuna Houshouryuu went to Takasago beya for degeiko ahead of the Kyushu basho today. He had 16 consecutive bouts against Asanoyama and Asahakuryuu, both both from Juryo, with a record of 13- 3 l-. He won the London Koen held over five consecutive days in October, defeating Yokozuna Oonosato in the final match. Since returning to Japan, he has been training at his heya, and this was his first time going for degeiko before this tournament. Nevertheless, he demonstrated his true potential with a sharp first step, a strong right thrust to push his opponent out of the ring, and some great throws to roll his opponents, defeating Asanoyama 8-2 and Asahakuryuu 5-1. Asahakuryu won the Juryo yusho last basho with a record of 13-2, while Asanoyama followed with a 12-3 record. Asanoyama is an ex-Ozeki and Asahakuryuu is Makuuchi caliber. Aside from an interval to smooth out the ring, Houshouryuu completed a total of 16 matches in 17 minutes at a high pace, demonstrating his stamina above all else. After the practice, he looked satisfied and commented, "It's good. I'm hitting my opponents well at the tachiai. Not bad."
Houshouryuu and Asahakuryuu, who arrived in Japan on the same flight from Mongolia while attending Kashiwa Nippon Sport Science High School in Chiba, are best friends. After Asahakuryuu was promoted to Juryo last basho, Houshouryuu promised him that he would visit Takasago beya one day, and that day finally arrived. Houshouryuu lent Asahakuryuu his chest for butsugari for three minutes as well. During the session, Houshouryuu reminisced about their high school days, saying things like, "This brings back memories," and encouraging Asahakuryuu, saying, "Come up (to the makuuchi division) soon!" and "Win (the Juryo yusho)!" This was his first degeiko to Takasago beya in three years, since his days as a Komusubi. "This is the first time I've trained with Asanoyama-san since the spring tour two years ago. He's big and as flexible as ever. Jamin (Asahakuryu) won the Juryo yusho last tournament, and when we go chest-to-chest, he's got a lot of power. It was a great practice session," he said, breaking into a sweat and looking pleased.