It has been awhile since the last update! I had family obligations last week, and I have been catching up at work since then. So, sorry for no post last week, and I apologize for this post being late. Nevertheless, I will try my best to continue the weekly updates, even if they are sometimes a day or two behind schedule. There is a lot going on in American sumo at the moment – and a lot more coming up!

In my first post back, I provide gifs of Wakaichirō’s performance in the Natsu Basho 2017. This was his third basho after his mae-zumo matches, and I really love comparing his performances in these bouts against his performances today. It is clear how much he has developed, although he did show a lot of promise in these early matches. Also, I believe that this basho includes his first and only henka. Be sure to watch out for it!

If you would like to see anything else involving Wakaichirō, please contact me at NorthAmericanSumo@Gmail.com.

Wakaichirō Ken Match 1 Gif – Haru Basho 2017

Tokkoriki Kazuki (51 East ; 4-3) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFImkAdOEbc

Wakaichirō Ken Match 2 Gif – Haru Basho 2017

Asahanshin Naoki (53 East ; 1-6) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1LWV5FToBw

Wakaichirō Ken Match 3 Gif – Haru Basho 2017

Rakao Ryota (53 West ; 5-2) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WAT63NjXmI

Wakaichirō Ken Match 4 Gif – Haru Basho 2017

Takaseiryu Kazunari (52 West ; 5-2) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_dYn4P8JH4

Wakaichirō Ken Match 5 Gif – Haru Basho 2017

Asanoshima Jiro (56 East ; 3-4) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5lFWNCOp68

Wakaichirō Ken Match 6 Gif – Haru Basho 2017

Wakakoki Ren (47 West ; 4-3) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrDk4RfM5X8

Wakaichirō Ken Match 7 Gif – Haru Basho 2017

Gagyusan Tomotake (48 East ; 3-4) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYe1sqGvytc

That henka to secure the 4-3 record! What a sight! If I remember correctly, one of the judges stopped Wakaichirō on the way out after that last match. I wonder what was said?

Regarding Wakaichirō’s performance, it was clear during this basho that he was still developing his style. Some of his movements appeared unsure, and he often found himself off-balanced even when his opponent didn’t counter his maneuver. Despite these early weaknesses, he was still able to secure a 4-3 record. This was his third kachi-koshi in his first three basho, giving Wakaichirō an amazing start to his career.

And don’t forget – he will be ranked the highest that he has ever been ranked during the next basho! Be sure sure to cheer this young American rikishi. He has made a lot of progress, but he still has a long way to go before he achieves his goals!