Kirishima challenges yokozuna Onosato in intensive practice bouts ahead of tournament

Ahead of the September 13-27 Grand Sumo Tournament, Ozeki Kirishima traveled outside his stable for the first time since the rankings were released, engaging in a head-to-head practice series with yokozuna Onosato. Of the 11 bouts they contested, Kirishima secured five wins and suffered six losses, noting the experience was fun and driven by a desire not to lose. He repeatedly attacked from his left side, attempting to neutralize Onosato’s powerful right-hand inside grip.

The Mongolian-born wrestler recently broke a ten-match losing streak against the yokozuna with a July victory and is now refining his approach. Kirishima, 30, has posted a 12-3 record over three tournaments and knows a championship with at least 13 wins at Ryogoku Kokugikan is needed for yokozuna promotion. He plans to keep training with other stables throughout the 15-day competition, emphasizing steady progress until the tournament’s end.