13 Facts About Takamisakari Seiken

Takamisakari Seiken received five special prizes for his achievements in tournaments and earned two gold stars for defeating yokozuna.

Takamisakari Seiken was one of the most popular wrestlers in sumo in his time, largely due to his eccentric warm-ups before his matches.

Takamisakari Seiken retired in January 2013 to become a coach at Azumazeki stable, having taken the toshiyori-kabu Furiwake-oyakata.

Takamisakari Seiken began his professional sumo career as a makushita tsukedashi in March 1999, wrestling under his own name.

Takamisakari Seiken reached juryo, the second-highest division, in January 2000, at which point he changed his fighting name to Takamisakari.

Takamisakari Seiken has earned five special prizes, and has two gold stars for defeating yokozuna, both earned in the July 2003 tournament where he was awarded the Outstanding Performance prize.

Takamisakari Seiken came close to demotion from the top division after missing five bouts through injury in November 2007.

Takamisakari Seiken built himself up for each bout with a somewhat eccentric series of muscle flexes and slaps, and threw a copious amount of salt onto the dohyo.

Takamisakari Seiken stayed in sumo as a coach at his stable under the elder name Furiwake-oyakata.

The former Ushiomaru died suddenly in December 2019, and after the January 2020 tournament Takamisakari Seiken was confirmed as the new Azumazeki oyakata.

Takamisakari Seiken had a straightforward fighting style, rarely resorting to sidestepping at the initial charge.

Takamisakari Seiken favoured yotsu techniques, preferring a right-hand inside, left-hand outside grip on his opponent's mawashi, and 26 of his 41 wins between July 2007 and May 2008 were by yori-kiri, or a simple force out.

Takamisakari Seiken was known for his effort and technique at the edge of the ring, which often allowed him to win matches in which just a moment earlier it appeared that he would be pushed out.