Ex-Ozeki Tachiazuma Opens Up About Tamaoi Stablemaster and the State of Tamaoi Stable Today: "A Return to Ozeki is Just a Matter of Time"
"My boys are still too soft, you know. Especially the sekitoris (ranked wrestlers). They really need to rethink their position." As he said this with a hearty laugh, his image perfectly echoed the "fighting general" he was on the dohyō (sumo ring). Tamaoi Stablemaster, formerly known as the fierce Ōzeki Tachiazuma who engaged in countless legendary bouts, is now focusing his intense gaze on his role as a mentor.
It's been nearly 20 years since he retired from active competition and took over Tamaoi Stable as the elder Tamaoi. During that time, he has produced numerous sekitori from his stable, raising it to an undisputed powerhouse. In a recent interview, the Stablemaster, while feeling a sense of achievement from his pupils' growth, also spoke with a sternness aimed at pushing them to even greater heights. Particularly noteworthy is his focus on restoring the stable's presence at the "Ōzeki" rank, a position he once held himself.
"A Return to Ōzeki is Just a Matter of Time" – The True Meaning
"Honestly, given their latent potential, I think Ōzeki is just a stepping stone for them. The rest is for them to realize that themselves and break out of their shells. Their strength is clearly improving." Tamaoi Stablemaster stated this with conviction. Although he didn't name names, his beaming expression as he spoke revealed a deep-seated confidence in the stable's top wrestlers, who have been rapidly gaining strength in recent years.
The Stablemaster highlighted the following points as crucial for the path back to Ōzeki:
- "The Right Mindset": The sense of responsibility and self-awareness required to aim for Yokozuna.
- "Consistency": The strength befitting the Ōzeki rank, marked by the ability to avoid losing records.
- "Encouraging Outside Sparring": Broadening their horizons through interaction with wrestlers from other stables.
Disciples Inheriting the DNA of the "Fighting General" Tachiazuma
A defining characteristic of the current Tamaoi Stable is the intense thrusting and pushing sumo that harkens back to the Stablemaster's own active days. Reflecting nostalgically, the Stablemaster said, "The kids these days are earnest and diligently follow the training regimen they're given. But that alone isn't enough. I feel like back when I was active, I was more... relentlessly pushing forward, seeking something more."
Nevertheless, the look in his disciples' eyes during daily practice undeniably holds a spark of fighting spirit. "Seeing how big they can become without limiting themselves – that's my greatest joy now." As he said this, the Stablemaster's eyes weren't those of the "fighting general" glaring down opponents on the dohyō. They were the eyes of a "nurturing father", watching over their growth with deep affection.
The countdown to a return to the Ōzeki rank has already begun. At the heart of this movement are undoubtedly the wrestlers of Tamaoi Stable, who carry the spirit of the former Ōzeki, Tachiazuma. We can't afford to take our eyes off the world of Grand Sumo from now on.