Thread by @SumoFollower

And another thread about Day 3 of the combo practice. Hakuho showed up. But with the departures of Shodai, Takayasu and Mitakeumi, he was the only member of the named ranks present.

(1/15)

nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/ne…

He did not practice sumo, focusing instead on basic exercise. He also gave butsukari to Takanosho (Makuuchi/Tokiwayama beya) and Kaisho (Juryo/Asakayama beya).

(2/15)

Asked why he joined the practice on the third day, he said "I have yet to forge my body. It's not banzuke announcement day yet". About his injured knee: "One day it's better, one day less so".

(3/15)

He also said some stuff about Terunofuji, but I'm going to need help on this, as it makes little sense to me. Something along these lines: "Whatever you say, there is a new Yokozuna. Well, it's amazing, I think. Coming from Jonidan, that is. A new rival, perhaps."

(4/15)

Then he went on: "I'll do my best. Harumafuji, Kakuryu, Kisenosato, I was stimulated by them all".

[So apparently he intends to participate in Aki. Watching it is going to become complicated]

(5/15)

When the press tried to ask him questions about his conduct and the YDC criticism of it etc., a member of the NSK PR department intervened with "I think we'll stop here" and the interview came to an end.

(6/15)

So... moving on to Takanosho:

At M2, Takanosho was the second highest ranking rikishi on premises.

He had the most matches of all, 24 in total (12W12L), including some 6 consecutive matches with Onosho.

(7/15)

nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/ne…

Takanosho: "I'm glad for this opportunity to practice with various people. Glad this combo practice is taking place".

He then had butsukari from Hakuho, and ended up gasping. "I'm thankful. You don't get the opportunity to learn from a Yokozuna often."

(8/15)

He says Hakuho also gave him some coaching: "Don't use only your right. It would be better if you used your left to attack as well". He apparently hopes to repay him by doing well against him in Aki.

(9/15)

Up next: Kaisho. It's a bit rare to get an article on a Juryo rikishi who is not a former big name. So for those who don't know: he is the only sekitori from Asakayama beya (Kaio's heya), and it's his 2nd stint in Juryo (first was in 2019).

(10/15)

nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/ne…

Kaisho started his practice day with 24 matches with Makushita rikishi (12W12L). Then he participated in the Juryo moshi-ai, adding 13W7L to the tally. Despite the good showing he said "It's no different than practice at my own heya".

(11/15)

Eventually he had to admit that practicing with sekitori is a bit different: "The power at the tachiai is different. I wanted to physically experience that".

(12/15)

In addition, he got butsukari from Hakuho. Being in the same ichimon, Kaisho got butsukari from him in the past in joint practice. Nevertheless "It was difficult to push him. His specialty is being soft, absorbing the opponent's power."

(13/15)

He continued: "Getting butsukari with a Yokozuna is not something that happens every day, I'm glad I could".

(14/15)

He is highly likely to pass his highest rank (J11e in Kyushu 2019) on the Aki banzuke, and even get to the top of Juryo with prospects to get to Makuuchi next. But he says his goal is 8 wins. How about Makuuchi promotion? "Not there yet. One step at a time".

(15/15)