Kototsubaki Katsuyuki - 琴椿 克之 (born December 6, 1960) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Naha, Okinawa. He made his debut in March 1976 and wrestled for Sadogatake stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1991. His highest rank was maegashira 3 and he retired in March 1995.
Career[]
Early Career[]
Born in Naha, Okinawa, Tokashiki joined Sadogatake stable after being recruited by the 53rd yokozuna Kotozakura. He made his professional debut in March 1976 under the shikona "Kototsubaki" (琴椿) and he posted a strong 6-1 record in his first tournament. However, he did not accelerate up the banzuke and had a rather slow progression. He was promoted to sandanme in July 1978 and makushita in September 1980. After five years in makushita, Kototsubaki produced a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 1 and was promoted to juryo in November 1985.
Juryo Career[]
Kototsubaki could only manage five wins his sekitori debut and was demoted back to makushita in the following tournament. He remained in makushita for nearly four years before retuning to juryo in September 1989. He was promoted to makuuchi in January 1991 after 89 tournaments in the previous divisions.
Makuuchi Career[]
Kototsubaki stayed in makuuchi for a total of 15 tournaments where he rose as high as maegashira 3 in July 1992. In November 1992, Kototsubaki was in the makuuchi yusho race and heading into the 13th day, he had 10 wins and 2 losses. However, he lost to Wakahanada on the 13th day and suffered an injury which forced him to withdraw the following day. His last appearance in makuuchi was in January 1994.
Retirement from Sumo[]
Kototsubaki fell down to makushita in January 1995 and announced his retirement in the following March tournament. He stayed with the Sumo Association as a coach for Sadogatake stable, but could not obtain permanent elder stock and he borrowed instead. It was not until 2007, when he acquired the Shiratama stock and is now known as Shiratama oyakata.
Fighting Style[]
Kototsubaki defeats Takahanada by hikiotoshi (pull down)
Kototsubaki's favorite techniques were migi-yotsu, (a left hand outside, right hand inside grip on his opponents' mawashi) yorikiri, (force out) and uwatenage (overarm throw).
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 530-481-51/1008 (115 basho)
- Makuuchi: 100-104-21/202 (15 basho)
- Juryo: 133-135-2/267 (18 basho)
- Makushita: 189-156-5/345 (50 basho)
- Sandanme: 47-39-19/86 (15 basho)
- Jonidan: 55-46-4/101 (15 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 6-1/7 (1 basho)
Achievements[]
- Record: 5th slowest progress to top division (89 tournaments)
Shikona History[]
- Tokashiki Katsuyuki (1976.03 - 1976.03)
- Kototsubaki Katsuyuki (1976.05 - 1995.03)
Gallery[]
