Ashibayama Shichibee - 葦葉山 七兵衛 (born December 1, 1913 - February 28, 1962) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Minato, Tokyo. He made his debut in May 1928 and wrestled for Izutsu stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1943. His highest rank was maegashira 12 and he retired in November 1945.
Career[]
Early Career[]
Yokoyama joined Izutsu stable at the age of 14 and made his professional debut in May 1928. He was given the shikona Ashibayama in October 1931 and he won the jonidan yusho with a perfect 6-0 record in the same tournament. After 10 years in the unsalaried ranks, he was promoted to juryo in January 1938, but he was demoted back down to makushita after only one tournament. He eventually returned to juryo and was promoted to makuuchi in May 1943.
Makuuchi Career[]
It had taken Ashibayama nearly 15 years to reach the top division and he was only ranked in makuuchi for three tournaments, reaching as high as maegashira 12 in May 1944. He retired from sumo in November 1945.
Retirement from Sumo[]
After retiring, Ashibayama remained in sumo as an elder of the Japan Sumo Association, working as a coach at Izutsu stable under the name Edagawa Oyakata.
Death[]
He died on February 28, 1962, at the age of 48 due to heart disease.
Family[]
Ashibayama's son-in-law is former maegashira Daiyu who also trained in Izutsu stable. His grandson is former makushita wrestler, Tatsukabuto, who trained in Kabutoyama stable.
Fighting Style[]
Ashibayama was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a migi-yotsu (left hand outside, right hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite was yorikiri, or force out.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 120-125-13/244 (26 basho)
- Makuuchi: 8-27/35 (3 basho)
- Juryo: 52-55-13/106 (9 basho)
- Makushita: 41-32/73 (8 basho)
- Sandanme: 13-11/24 (4 basho)
- Jonidan: 6-0/6 (1 basho)
Championships[]
- 1 Jonidan Championship (October 1931)
Shikona History[]
- Yokoyama Kiyu (1928.05 - 1931.05)
- Ashibayama (1931.10 - 1935.01)
- Kunimidake (1935.05 - 1935.05)
- Ashibayama Kosei (1936.01 - 1940.05)
- Ashibayama Shichibee (1941.01 - 1945.11)
Gallery[]
