Chiyonowaka Hidenori - 千代の若 秀則 (born March 8, 1972) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yabu, Hyogo. He made his debut in May 1987 and last wrestled for Kokonoe stable. He reached the juryo division in May 1996. His highest rank was juryo 9 and he retired in September 1997.
Early Life[]
Negishi's parents ran a fruit and vegetable store in Yabu, Hyogo. In elementary school, he participated in swimming and at Yabu Shiritsu Yabu Junior High School he was a member of the table tennis club for one year. After graduating junior high school he joined Kokonoe stable.
Career[]
Early Career[]
Negishi made his professional debut in May 1987. Even though he was much bigger than his contemporaries, standing 1.92 cm (6 ft 3.5 in) and weighing 111 kg (248 Ib), he had no prior sumo experience and struggled to break through jonokuchi and jonidan. He changed his shikona to "Chiyonowaka" (千代の若) in March 1991. He was promoted to sandanme in March 1990 and makushita in September 1992. In March 1996, Chiyonowaka won the makushita yusho with a perfect 7-0 record at the rank of makushita 9 and was promoted to juryo in the following May 1996 tournament.
Juryo Career[]
Chiyonowaka could only manage five wins in his sekitori debut and was demoted back down to makushita. He returned after one tournament in makushita and he posted a solid 9-6 record in his return. As a result, he was promoted to his highest rank of juryo 9 in November 1996. However, he produced a 7-8 record in this tournament and followed with a disastrous 3-12 record which sent him back down to makushita in March 1997.
Retirement from Sumo[]
After losing his sekitori status, Chiyonowaka continued to struggle and produce losing records. He subsequently announced his retirement after the September 1997 tournament at the age of 25. He currently works as the sole proprietor for his own company.
Fighting Style[]
Chiyonowaka was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a hidari-yotsu (right hand outside, left hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite was yorikiri, or force out. He was also fond of employing uwatenage, or overarm throw.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 229-224-13/452 (63 basho)
- Juryo: 24-36/60 (4 basho)
- Makushita: 79-69-13/148 (23 basho)
- Sandanme: 71-62/132 (19 basho)
- Jonidan: 39-45/84 (12 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 16-12/28 (4 basho)
Championships[]
- 1 Makushita Championship (March 1996)
Shikona History[]
- Negishi Hidenori (1987.05 - 1991.01)
- Chiyonowaka Hidenori (1991.03 - 1997.09)
Gallery[]
