Kurojishi Yuzo - 黒獅子 勇蔵 (born February 2, 1939) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Misaki, Osaka. He made his debut in March 1957 and last wrestled for Nishonoseki stable. He reached the makuuchi division in July 1963. His highest rank was maegashira 12 and he retired in January 1965.
Early Life[]
Osaki was born on February 2, 1939, in the town of Misaki in Osaka Prefecture. He attended Kishiwada City Industrial High School where he was a member of the sumo club. After graduating high school, he moved to Tokyo and joined Nishonoseki stable.
Career[]
Early Career[]
He made his debut in March 1957 at the age of 18 and initially wrestled under his surname Osaki. In his first professional tournament he won the jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 8-0 record. He was promoted to sandanme in November 1957 and makushita in March 1959. In July 1962 he produced a 6-1 record at the rank of makushita 3 and was promoted to juryo for the following September 1962 tournament.
Juryo Career[]
Upon promotion to juryo he changed his shikona "Kurojishi" (黒獅子). In his first tournament as a sekitori, he finished with an 8-7 but followed with a 7-8 record in November. Nevertheless, he followed with three consecutive double-digit winning records and was promoted to makuuchi in July 1963.
Makuuchi Career[]
In his first tournament ranked in the top division Kurojishi finished with an 8-7 record and was promoted to the rank of maegashira 12. However, he finished with a 3-12 record and was demoted back down to juryo. This proved to be his last tournament ranked in makuuchi. Due to injuries he eventually fell down to makushita in May 1964 and he announced his retirement after the January 1965 tournament.
Retirement from Sumo[]
After retiring he returned back to his hometown and opened up a sushi restaurant. However, after his former stablemate Taiho opened up Taiho stable, he was invited by Taiho Oyakata to work as an unofficial coach which he agreed to. He left the sumo world in 1972 and returned to his hometown and became engaged in the construction industry.
Fighting Style[]
Kurojishi 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: 223-191-6/414 (47 basho)
- Makuuchi: 11-19/30 (2 basho)
- Juryo: 60-60/120 (8 basho)
- Makushita: 99-85-6/184 (26 basho)
- Sandanme: 40-24/64 (8 basho)
- Jonidan: 5-3/8 (1 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 8-0/8 (1 basho)
Championships[]
- 1 Jonokuchi Championship (May 1957)
Shikona History[]
- Ozaki Isamu (1957.03 - 1962.07)
- Kurojishi Yuzo (1962.09 - 1965.01)
Gallery[]
