Ex-Ozeki Tochiazuma Doth: Tamanoi Stablemaster's True Face & The Stable's Future - "An Ozeki Return is Just a Matter of Time"
"My boys? They're still too green, you know. Especially the sekitori—they really need to sit down and rethink their position." As he said this with a hearty laugh, one could almost see the "fighting general" he was on the dohyo. Tamanoi-oyakata, formerly Ozeki Tochiazuma who starred in so many legendary bouts, now watches his charges with the intense focus of a mentor.
It's been about 20 years since he hung up his mawashi and took the elder name Tamanoi to take the reins at Tamanoi Stable. In that time, he's groomed numerous sekitori from his stable, building it up into the established and respected heya it is today. During a recent interview, the stablemaster expressed that while he's encouraged by his pupils' progress, he also emphasized the discipline needed to aim even higher. A particular point of focus is restoring the stable to the "Ozeki" rank he once held himself.
"An Ozeki Return is Just a Matter of Time": What He Really Means
"Honestly, if you consider their potential, I think Ozeki is just a stepping stone. The rest is up to them—to realize that and break out of their shells. They're clearly getting stronger." Tamanoi-oyakata stated this with conviction. Although he didn't name names, the look in his eyes as he spoke warmly made his solid confidence in his top wrestlers, who have been rapidly improving in recent years, abundantly clear.
Regarding the path back to Ozeki, the stablemaster highlighted these key points:
- "The Right Mindset": Having the sense of responsibility and self-awareness needed to aim for Yokozuna.
- "Consistency": Demonstrating strength befitting an Ozeki rank, with a track record free of losing records.
- "Encouraging Outside Sparring": Broadening their horizons by training with wrestlers from other stables.
Disciples Carrying the DNA of the "Fighting General" Tochiazuma
A hallmark of today's Tamanoi Stable is the fierce thrusting and pushing style that harkens back to the stablemaster's own competing days. Recalling the past, the stablemaster said, "Wrestlers today are diligent; they'll seriously follow whatever training regimen you give them. But that alone isn't enough. When I was active, I feel like I was always pushing myself harder, single-mindedly chasing something."
Even so, the look in his disciples' eyes during daily practice definitely holds that fighting spirit. "Watching them grow, without setting limits on themselves, to see just how far they can go—that's my greatest joy right now." As he said this, his eyes weren't those of the "fighting general" glaring down an opponent on the dohyo. They were the eyes of a "devoted mentor", lovingly watching his charges mature.
The countdown to reclaiming the Ozeki rank has already begun. At the heart of it are undoubtedly the wrestlers of Tamanoi Stable, who carry on the spirit of former Ozeki Tochiazuma. You won't want to take your eyes off the world of Grand Sumo from here on out.