Fighting Techniques

Tsuki(n), Tsuku(v): to stroke opponent's chest with both arms, either in simultaneous or alternate motion in upward direction; making him lean back. Drive opponent outside the dohyo by a tsuki motion.

Oshi(n), osu(v): to push opponent on his chest or by grabbing the elbow from below (ottsukeru). The difference with tsuki is that the palms are always in contact with opponent's body. Pushing by means of grabbing opponent's Mawashi (also mitsu: belt) on the front side near the stomach (mae-mitsu) also counts as an oshi. Ottsuke(ru): (mae)mitsu: push opponent outside the dohyo by an oshi motion.

Yori(n), yoru(v): to advance towards the opponent while securing body contact, either by shoving the arms under/inside opponent's arms/armpits (sasu), and/or taking hold of his mawashi. Drive opponent outside the dohyo by a yori motion.

Hineri(n), hineru(v): to twist the grip of either the opponent's Mawashi or some part of body, usually by rotating the wrist.

Tsuri(n), tsuru(v): take grip on opponent's Mawashi with both hands, and lift his body up, supporting weight by the waist. Tsuri(ru) take opponent in a tsuri and land him down outside the dohyo. More effective and safe when lifted on the side, rather than the front. Another Champion winning tactic.

If the sashite side arm grabs opponent's mawashi, then it is called a shitate. A grab by the other arm (over opponent's sashite) is called an uwate. When a rikishi succeeds to sasu both of his arms, then it is called moro-zashi and is considered a strong advantage, since it is difficult for the other to take uwate holds with both arms, thus leaving them afloat and impotent. However, if he can clench his hands over opponent's sashite and puts squeezing pressure on them (called kannuki: this may sometimes break opponent's arm), then the advantage may be reversed.

Throwing methods nage(n), nageru(v): to throw means to take hold of the opponent, either by the mawashi or some part of the body, and to topple or drive out opponent by the throwing motion of the holding arm.

Basically, Yorikiri is considered the most secure and safest way to win (but see Utchari). Thus it is the champion's winning way. Oshi-zumo, if it hits the spot, guarantees a decisive and instantaneous victory, but the tactic often fall prey to dodging motions or being slapped down, and also quite helpless once countered by a yotsu-zumo. Oshi-zumo rikishi are thus generally regarded as simplistic and bull-run types, while yotsu-zumo rikishi are said to be technicians.

Back to Top