Former Ozeki Tochiazuma Opens Up About Tamaoi Stablemaster's True Character and the State of Tamaoi Stable Today: "A Return to Ozeki is Only a Matter of Time"
"The lads in my stable are still too soft, you know. Especially those ranked guys (the sekitori) – they need to have a good, hard think about where they stand." The way he let out a hearty laugh after saying this instantly brought to mind the "fighting general" he once was in the ring. Tamaoi Stablemaster, who once thrilled audiences in countless epic bouts as Ozeki Tochiazuma, is now pouring that same fiery passion into coaching the next generation.
It's been about 20 years since he hung up his mawashi and took on the elder name Tamaoi, taking the reins at Tamaoi Stable. In that time, he's guided numerous wrestlers from his stable to sekitori status, building it into a bona fide powerhouse. In a recent interview, the stablemaster spoke about seeing real progress in his charges, but also about the tough love needed to push them to even greater heights. The main topic on everyone's mind? Restoring the Ozeki rank to the stable – a rank he once held himself.
"A Return to Ozeki is Only a Matter of Time" – What He Really Meant
"To be honest, if you look at their potential, I think Ozeki is just a stepping stone. Now, they just need to realise that for themselves and break out of their shells. They're clearly getting stronger and stronger." Tamaoi Stablemaster stated this with absolute conviction. While he didn't drop any specific names, the unmistakable confidence he has in his star wrestlers – who have been making huge strides in recent years – was written all over his face as he spoke.
Regarding the path back to the Ozeki rank, the stablemaster highlighted the following key points:
- "Mindset is Everything": Having the sense of responsibility and self-awareness required to aim for Yokozuna.
- "Consistency is Key": The kind of dominant strength worthy of the Ozeki rank, free from losing records.
- "Encouraging Cross-Style Sparring": Broadening their horizons by training with wrestlers from other stables.
The Disciples Carrying on the DNA of the "Fighting General," Tochiazuma
A hallmark of today's Tamaoi Stable is the aggressive thrusting and pushing sumo that instantly brings the stablemaster's own fighting days to mind. The stablemaster reminisced, saying, "The young lads today are diligent; they'll faithfully complete any training menu you give them. But that alone isn't enough. Back when I was competing, I feel like I was more... driven, constantly searching for something more."
Even so, the look in his disciples' eyes during daily practice definitely holds that spark of fighting spirit. "I just want to see how far they can go without limiting themselves. Watching over that growth is my greatest joy now." As he said this, his gaze wasn't that of the "fighting general" glaring down an opponent on the dohyo, but rather the loving, watchful eye of a "founding father" nurturing his charges.
The countdown to a return to the Ozeki rank has already begun. And right at the heart of it are the wrestlers of Tamaoi Stable, carrying on the fighting spirit of former Ozeki Tochiazuma. You won't want to take your eyes off the world of Grand Sumo.