Sloppy Tachiai Nothing New In Sumo

[Mulboyne]

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Yomiuri: YouTube shows up tachiai sticklers
..The biggest controversy during [this] tournament has been a new, stricter interpretation of the tachiai. Japan Sumo Association chairman Musashigawa and head judge Hanaregoma have rigorously enforced the rule that both of a wrestler's hands have to touch the dirt as the bout begins....However, the wonders of the Internet provide instant ammunition for those who might think the men -- former yokozuna Mienoumi and ozeki Kaiketsu, respectively -- are guilty of the crimes they now prosecute. Googling "You Tube" and "Mienoumi" pulls up a bout of the then ozeki facing Wakanohana II in January 1980 (above). It provides ample evidence of tachiai far sloppier than anything at this tournament. Meanwhile, a July 1975 bout of Kaiketsu facing Mutsuarashi (below) shows the future judge's hands a good 15 centimeters away from the ground as he starts to move forward...more...

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