Former Ōzeki Tochiazuma opens up about life as Tamanoi-oyakata and the future of Tamanoi Stable: "It's only a matter of time before we get another Ōzeki"
"My boys still have a lot of growing up to do. Especially the sekitori; they need to have a good, hard think about where they stand." The man letting out a hearty laugh as he says this could easily be mistaken for the fierce "fighting general" who once dominated the dohyō. Now known as Tamanoi-oyakata, the former Ōzeki Tochiazuma who delivered so many legendary bouts is now channelling that same intensity into coaching the next generation.
It's been around 20 years since he hung up his mawashi and took the reins of Tamanoi Stable as a stablemaster. In that time, he's fostered a steady stream of sekitori wrestlers, building it into a bona fide powerhouse. In a recent chat, the oyakata revealed that while he's proud of his charges' progress, he's not about to go easy on them as they aim for the top. The main point of interest? Getting one of his wrestlers back to the rank he once held himself: Ōzeki.
"It's only a matter of time before we get another Ōzeki": What he really means
"To be honest, with their natural talent, I see Ōzeki as just a stepping stone. The real hurdle is for them to realise that for themselves and break through their own limits. Their strength is clearly improving." Tamanoi-oyakata states this with absolute conviction. While he didn't name names, his beaming expression as he spoke left no doubt about the rock-solid faith he has in his star wrestlers, who have been making impressive strides in recent years.
So, what's the game plan for getting back to the Ōzeki rank? The oyakata highlighted a few key areas:
- "The right mindset": Embracing the responsibility and self-awareness needed to aim for Yokozuna.
- "Consistency": The kind of rock-solid strength, without losing streaks, that befits an Ōzeki.
- "Encouraging outside sparring": Broadening their horizons by training with wrestlers from other stables.
The students carrying on the DNA of the "fighting general" Tochiazuma
A standout feature of today's Tamanoi Stable is the aggressive tsuppari (thrusting) style, a real throwback to the oyakata's own fighting days. He recalls with a hint of nostalgia: "The kids these days are diligent and they'll faithfully stick to the training menu they're given. But that's not enough on its own. Back when I was fighting, I feel like I was more... scrappy, always pushing myself harder, looking for that extra edge."
Even so, he sees a definite spark of fighting spirit in his students' eyes during daily practice. "My greatest joy now is watching them grow, without ever putting a limit on themselves." And as he says this, his gaze isn't that of the "fighting general" glaring down an opponent on the dohyō. Instead, it's the warm, watchful eye of a "father figure" nurturing their growth.
The countdown to the next Ōzeki is already ticking. And right in the thick of it are the wrestlers of Tamanoi Stable, carrying the spirit of the former Ōzeki, Tochiazuma. You won't want to miss what happens next in the world of Grand Sumo.