Kirishima battles yokozuna Onosato in intensive practice sessions ahead of autumn tournament

Ozeki Kirishima traveled outside his stable for the first time since the September rankings were released, engaging in a head-to-head practice series with yokozuna Onosato. Out of 16 practice bouts, he contested 11 against the yokozuna, edging five victories to six defeats. Kirishima explained he focused on attacking Onosato’s left side to limit the champion’s powerful right-hand inside grip, noting the importance of boldness in the practice ring.

He highlighted that after losing their first ten grand tournament meetings, he finally defeated Onosato in July and is now testing new strategies. With a recent 12-3 record and three consecutive tournaments at that level, Kirishima needs a 13-win championship at Ryogoku Kokugikan to achieve yokozuna promotion, and he plans to keep training with other stables throughout the 15-day competition.